I recently visited the hospital prior to surgery for pre-op testing. Jerry was a wonderful person to have for the interview. She understood that even though I have a master's degree in nursing that did nothing for my angst at the necessity for this surgery at 72 years of age! When the interview concluded, she made certain that I was aware of the location of the outpatient department, to have my blood drawn, an EKG, and a chest x-ray. When I had completed all the testing, I took the long trek back to the main entrance, in order to meet my wife who had brought me to the hospital. I sat on the bench outside for one-half hour, no sign of my wife. I suddenly realized that I also did not have my large bag of medicines with me; I became somewhat agitated and scared. I reported to the PASS department and fortunately, Jerry was available and immediately came to my side. She understood my concern about the medications, especially since I could not remember where I had last had them. She called the other units and reported my loss to the security department.
The security officer took the information about my wife. (In addition, her cell phone kept sending me to voicemail). By now, it had become over an hour since I had returned to the unit and Stephanie had joined the search for my meds, personally going to the units I had been to, in order to check in person. I have secondary progressive MS and my wife always brings me to my appointments, I truly believed that she had been injured in a car accident since it was now 2 hours past the time I had left the outpatient department. Both nurses could not have been kinder, more compassionate, and understanding. They, as far as I am concerned, embody all of the very best and highest standards that could have been possible in this, or any other situation. It truly was the first time that I have ever felt helpless and scared and recognized that I had lost charge of the issue. Thank goodness, the security guard returned with both my wife and my medications. I cannot thank the participants in this nightmare enough, for their patience, gentle handling, and overall extreme professionalism. Both of these individuals are DAISY Nurses. I cannot imagine how I would have managed absent their amazing patience and kindness.