I had a visit to Deaconess Emergency for persistent afib and was admitted to Cardiology. It was here I was greeted by a jovial nurse, Don, whom I came to rely on as an interpreter for all the meds, tests, and procedures as ordered by physicians. He explained in terms I could understand and lent comfort to me during potentially scary procedures.
Throughout Don's long shifts he was upbeat, humorous and accommodating. His knowledge of cardiology was extensive, and his sharing gave me a sense of control over decisions being made about my health outlook. He modeled best practices to those with whom he interacted, repeatedly checking name and birthdate prior to administering any meds or tests, washing his hands repeatedly and keeping sterile and safe all IV sites and connections.
Additionally, Don was persistent in reminding me to remain aware of stroke symptoms and the need for immediate intervention. I am most appreciative of the training Don has undergone and for the professionalism he demonstrated as a true servant. Thank you, Don!