Rachel Brewster
July 2017
Rachel
Brewster
,
RN
MSU
Waldo County General Hospital
Belfast
,
ME
United States
This is the first extended time we have been on the other side of healthcare as the recipients. For the last 6 months, we have experienced the fears, anxieties and waiting that goes along with serious illness. Recently, my husband had to be hospitalized on MSU for almost a week. Rachel was his nurse for 5 out of 6 evening shifts. At 3 pm she arrived in our room and greeted us with a warm smile along with warm washcloths! Yes, first class treatment! She reviewed the plan of care daily, always pausing to ensure our understanding and allowed us to voice questions or concerns. She explained each and every medication prior to administration. Before leaving the room she reassured us that we could "press the red button for room service." She also returned with fresh water for my husband and always inquired if I need anything too.
At first, we thought we were getting VIP treatment because we were hospital employees. But this was not the case. During my comings and goings, I overheard Rachel's upbeat voice in patient rooms stating similar things. One afternoon as I was walking down the hall, I heard her voice trailing as she exited a room "I'll be right back with your strawberry milkshake." Maybe that patient was only getting a can of "Ensure" but she made it sound special.
In fact, I believe Rachel possesses an extraordinary quality that makes a DAISY Nurse, the ability to make each patient and family feel like they are her only ones. As a nurse myself, I recognize this is not always easy to do.
Thank you, Rachel. You helped us through a scary time.
***
She went above and beyond the whole time my husband was here. He was uncomfortable on an air bed and she went and got a waffle crate that they use in the wheelchairs and put it under the mattress and it worked to fix his back pain! I had a bit of a meltdown the night before and when I was telling her she had tears in her eyes. She has quite a bit of compassion for her patients and she could relate to us because she had the same back surgery. When she said, "I understand what you are going through" she meant it. She put us at ease and we want to recognize her for the amazing care she gave!
At first, we thought we were getting VIP treatment because we were hospital employees. But this was not the case. During my comings and goings, I overheard Rachel's upbeat voice in patient rooms stating similar things. One afternoon as I was walking down the hall, I heard her voice trailing as she exited a room "I'll be right back with your strawberry milkshake." Maybe that patient was only getting a can of "Ensure" but she made it sound special.
In fact, I believe Rachel possesses an extraordinary quality that makes a DAISY Nurse, the ability to make each patient and family feel like they are her only ones. As a nurse myself, I recognize this is not always easy to do.
Thank you, Rachel. You helped us through a scary time.
***
She went above and beyond the whole time my husband was here. He was uncomfortable on an air bed and she went and got a waffle crate that they use in the wheelchairs and put it under the mattress and it worked to fix his back pain! I had a bit of a meltdown the night before and when I was telling her she had tears in her eyes. She has quite a bit of compassion for her patients and she could relate to us because she had the same back surgery. When she said, "I understand what you are going through" she meant it. She put us at ease and we want to recognize her for the amazing care she gave!