I have worked in health care my whole life, starting as a candy striper in 1975 at the age of 15 to the unit clerk on a Trauma Unit in downtown Detroit, to the medical ICU. I also worked midnights as a unit clerk responding to every code Blue in the 1100 bed hospital. I then worked for ten years as a hospital pharmacy tech and most recently, the last 5 years as an Oncology Pharmacy Tech. I have seen a wide range of care. I have a whole new respect for nurses and the whole care team in general. I truly believe that I receive the best possible care I could have. I was quite impressed.
It was extremely difficult for me to be so incapacitated. I am usually the organizer and leader. Even spiritually, I am a prayer warrior. Now I needed others in every way possible. Matthew talked to me as he worked on me. He talked about his belief in healing the "Total Person". When he asked me if there was anything he could do for me, I told him my worst pain was in my back, an area not hurt from the crash, but knotted up from not being able to move. For 3 days I had a neck brace on. It was about a week before I could even lift my head slightly. Matthew massaged my back. It felt at least 50% better instantly! He came back and massaged again before the end of his shift. He also made sure to put me on the list for massage therapy. Matthew always made sure I was adjusted comfortably with pillows and that everything I needed was within reach. Matthew truly treated the "whole person". He was my nurse for 3 or 4 shifts. After the first time, I was happy to see him several days in a row. Please don't ever get discouraged or feel it is just a job. Thanks to all of the nurses who cared for me.