Laura Jefferson
September 2023
Laura
Jefferson
,
RN
2K
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
Temple
,
TX
United States
Even with her patient load that day, she took the time to sit with him and ask what was bothering him, as she could tell he was sad and anxious.
My brother-in-law was admitted to your facility with multiple concerns, and an extensive work-up was done; some physical issues were identified, and he began to improve. His appetite was much better, the nausea and vomiting ceased, and he was working well with PT and OT.
However, on the day he was notified that he would be discharged to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, some of his symptoms started to return. His appetite was suddenly gone, and his nausea returned. Based on Nurse Jefferson's astute recognition, insight, and compassion, she could see that my brother-in-law was no longer feeling well after receiving the information about the transfer. Even with her patient load that day, she took the time to sit with him and ask what was bothering him, as she could tell he was sad and anxious. He expressed to her that he was concerned about going to the new facility, as he had received such good care there at your facility. Then, after my sister called to tell me about how he was doing, I called Nurse Jefferson to express my concern that he was feeling depressed due to this change of facilities. After getting authorization from my brother-in-law to speak with me, Nurse Jefferson conveyed the conversation with him to me and agreed that he was perhaps experiencing depression and increased anxiety about the impending transfer. She told me she would contact "the team", to be sure to let them know of our conversation, as well as her observations. She also conveyed this to the receiving facility. Soon after, my sister received a call from his doctor (who was also fantastic). Nurse Jefferson was not only very efficient and competent in her job but also so kind and patient to my brother-in-law and to me. We both felt important and heard! The wheels that were set in motion by Nurse Jefferson's kindness, compassion, knowledge, and action have put his care in the right direction and on a trajectory for a much healthier life. I really appreciate you passing on my gratitude to the staff at your facility, and in particular, to Nurse Laura Jefferson.
However, on the day he was notified that he would be discharged to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, some of his symptoms started to return. His appetite was suddenly gone, and his nausea returned. Based on Nurse Jefferson's astute recognition, insight, and compassion, she could see that my brother-in-law was no longer feeling well after receiving the information about the transfer. Even with her patient load that day, she took the time to sit with him and ask what was bothering him, as she could tell he was sad and anxious. He expressed to her that he was concerned about going to the new facility, as he had received such good care there at your facility. Then, after my sister called to tell me about how he was doing, I called Nurse Jefferson to express my concern that he was feeling depressed due to this change of facilities. After getting authorization from my brother-in-law to speak with me, Nurse Jefferson conveyed the conversation with him to me and agreed that he was perhaps experiencing depression and increased anxiety about the impending transfer. She told me she would contact "the team", to be sure to let them know of our conversation, as well as her observations. She also conveyed this to the receiving facility. Soon after, my sister received a call from his doctor (who was also fantastic). Nurse Jefferson was not only very efficient and competent in her job but also so kind and patient to my brother-in-law and to me. We both felt important and heard! The wheels that were set in motion by Nurse Jefferson's kindness, compassion, knowledge, and action have put his care in the right direction and on a trajectory for a much healthier life. I really appreciate you passing on my gratitude to the staff at your facility, and in particular, to Nurse Laura Jefferson.