April 2023
Francine
Oldermine
,
BSN, RN
SICU
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Chicago
,
IL
United States
Frannie's compassion towards me during the scariest time in my life is currently moving me through recovery.
I am 18 years old and almost died during surgery. I remember a lot from my stay in the ICU, and most of it was very scary. However, Frannie's kindness and compassion are what I remember most. I looked an absolute mess after jaw surgery, and Frannie was not offended by my appearance at all. She treated me like a human being, which was insanely refreshing. I briefly remember her and another nurse taking care of me to a Britney Spears song while I was in and out of consciousness because my family told her I liked her music. She absolutely didn't have to do that but chose to, so that experience would be a little less embarrassing for me. Frannie gave me privacy and respect but was there in an instant if I needed anything. She was able to come to do labs or run medicine without waking my mom, who desperately needed sleep, which I appreciated so much. I felt extremely guilty for having to call her frequently, but she reassured me that I was allowed to ask for help, especially considering my circumstances. Frannie's compassion towards me during the scariest time in my life is currently moving me through recovery. You can tell she loves her job and has a reason to show up to work every day. Most nurses are amazing, to begin with, but she really takes the cake. Frannie let me feel like a teenage girl after a long time of trying so hard to suck it up and be an adult dealing with a bone tumor. I appreciate her more than words could say.