I had bladder surgery Friday and was discharged with a foley catheter on Saturday morning. Monday afternoon I went to my doctor and had the foley removed. Monday evening I realized I was not voiding adequately, found myself experiencing substantial discomfort and pain and returned to Corewell ER about 10:45 PM. I provided the required identification and insurance at the desk, was told there was a three hour wait and was then directed to explain my medical problem to the RN at the adjoining desk.

I explained my situation to Nurse Hanna, the surgery 3 days before, which was more invasive then expected and that I was retained as an inpatient until Saturday morning. on Monday about 2PM  I had the foley removed at my doctors office, around 7 PM I was having trouble voiding, but was hoping the problem would resolve. By 10 PM the pain was becoming intense and I knew the only option was to go to the ER. She again explained the three-hour wait. I had my vitals checked, noticed that my BP was up about 30 points, and was moved to the waiting area, remaining in a wheelchair. 

Less than 5 minutes later about 11 PM a miracle happened. Nurse Hanna got up from their position at the check-in as no one was in line and walked over to my wheelchair. She informed us, myself and my daughter, that her shift ended in one hour and after that she would take me back to a room and install a catheter. At about five minutes after midnight I felt a tap on my shoulder and was wheeled back to a room. After a brief exam, a catheter was installed, the relief of the pain was immediate.

There were about 20-25 people in the waiting room and I suspect some were also very sick. However, Nurse Hanna maybe because of my age (86) and the condition of my bladder after the surgery three days before, recognized the level of stress I was enduring. Because she was concerned about a patient who needed immediate assistance, she volunteered to stay after her regular shift, which ended at midnight. She stayed with me for almost an hour, making certain I was comfortable. She also sent a sample of my discharge to the lab. I later learned that in addition to the extra time she spent with me, she still had a 45 minute drive home.

Her act of kindness, compassion, and willingness to do more than what was expected is something I will never forget. Beaumont/Corewell has always been our hospital of choice, including my wife who spent about 8 weeks as an inpatient, as well as my children and grandchildren, when medical service has been needed. However, what Nurse Hanna did was exceptional, volunteering to stay after a full shift, at midnight, to help a patient that was very much in need of help.

I have driven past Beaumont for a lifetime and admired its structure, however, the real beauty of Beaumont/Corewell is the people. I will never forget the kindness and special consideration of Nurse Hanna.