My mom has had 4 (at least) hospitalizations at St. Luke's since August.  She has received great care during each of them. Honestly, she is lucky to still be with us (but that is another story). Mom was hospitalized this admission after not being able to eat, drink, or keep medications down for almost a week. She is a PD patient and has multiple other issues as well, so this was very concerning. Even with IV Compazine and Zofran she was not keeping much in. An Endoscopy found a large ulcer that was assumed to be the cause. Carafate was started, and we were told to expect daily improvement.

Lainey was Mom's nurse when she was on shift. She was extremely caring, coaxing mom to try fluids and meds and any food (ice cream worked sometimes!), and she took time to speak with us. After a few days, it was apparent that mom's intake of food/fluid/meds was NOT improving. Lainey saw her doctor on the floor and spoke with him (paraphrasing) saying look, you need to go SEE her. She is NOT getting better. She has had no real nutrition in almost two weeks. Her medications are a concern because they aren't staying down (so additional medical problems could emerge). Something isn't right.

Once her doctor assessed her, she had a Hemosplit ordered to be put in and was started on HD. She had HD yesterday and this morning, and I'm told that her meds stayed down last night. Maybe we are improving? I hope so. Time will tell. What I really want to do, though, is recognize Lainey for being my mom's Advocate.

Patients, especially older patients, and/or those without medical knowledge, lose their voice and/or don't ask questions, don't know what questions to ask, or don't question doctors. Nurses are the bridge and the voice for those patients. They see those patients for hours each shift. Lainey SAW my mom and advocated for her. My family and I are very grateful for her kindness and intervention.

Note: This is Lainey's 2nd DAISY Award!