We all know that working in the healthcare field is a very rewarding profession. As nurses, we provide the best possible care to the patient as we can on a daily basis. A lot of times that comes with tired feet and achy extremities. I want to say, thank you.
I am sure that being a nurse in the Emergency Department is no easy task.
I am sure that the nurses there see dozens of patients each day that they work. Although, they may not feel at times that the impact they are having on the patient's lives is monumental, sometimes they are making more of a difference to that patient than they could ever understand.
I have worked at OSUWMC for 10 years, as a relatively healthy individual I have never had a serious ED visit nor had to stay inpatient. Having never been on the other side of the bed it could be hard to identify with exactly how that patient feels, and how much of a difference it makes when your healthcare provider takes the time to explain what is going on with your body; as well as the plan of care you are to expect.
That all changed for me one day in November. That afternoon, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident. I had been driving and fell asleep at the wheel. I only woke when my car collided with a tree.
Everything from that point on is very surreal to me.
A neighbor who was jogging helped me out of my car at the scene, the police and EMS arrived and before I could even process what had occurred I was being whisked off to the hospital in an ambulance with lights and sirens blaring. This was happening, and it was not a dream.
I arrived at OSUWMC as it was my preferred hospital destination as well as my place of employment. I was greeted in the room by Charlie. For the first few hours, I was okay and still running on the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I held it together emotionally as well as physically.
Within a couple of hours, things started to fall apart for me. The pain began to throb, the adrenaline was wearing off, and the tears were starting to flow as the realization occurred in my mind as to what had just happened. Charlie never faltered; he was always there right beside me helping to calm me as the tears continued to flow.
Charlie always maintained a positive and caring attitude in a situation that was the most traumatic I have ever personally experienced. I will forever remember the calm. I think this is the characteristic that helped me manage my situation the best.
He was never negative and always kept the positive attitude, even when my family took over the room. He never said you are breaking the visitor policy, thereby, keeping my family calm and supported as well.
I don't think that Charlie knew what a difference he made to me on that day. There is no way could ever repay him for the care that he gave me. I am forever grateful.