Maggie
Felmlee
,
RN
My elderly dad was admitted to the 6th floor after spending a night in the ER with CHF. His admission to the 6th floor was a blessing. Within 24 hours of admission, he experienced an airway Issue. I immediately pushed his call bell and called out for help. Maggie immediately arrived at his bedside followed by several other nurses.
She quickly assessed the situation and began care - calmly but firmly directing the other staff to call respiratory, give mads, call MD, etc. while verbally reassuring my dad and me. Maggie allowed me to remain with my dad, she continued to provide care and continued to discuss with me my dad's wishes. At one point, she asked if I wanted her to stop - I just asked that they not intubate him, The MD arrived In the middle of the situation, but it was Maggie who took control of the emergency and was able to stabilize my dad and provide him reassurance and comfort.
Maggie's efforts, with the assistance of her co-workers, gave me and my family the gift of time. Time for family to arrive, time for me and my brothers to talk with Dad, and time for us to make informed choices about his care. Thank you, Maggie.
As I remember, Maggie was not assigned to care for my dad after that day. However, whenever she saw me in the hallways, she would ask me how I was doing. My dad passed peacefully days later and when he did, Maggie interrupted a conversation with a staff member to hug me and express her sympathy. Thank you, Maggie, for caring not only for your patient but for his daughter too.