[midcom]

Thank You to all ICU nurses I am about to start nursing school this fall to be a LPN and have never had any experience with ICUs. However, this summer I've gotten the opportunity to watch some really great nurses in action. My sister is currently a patient at the University of Iowa Hospital & has been in either the surgical ICU or the cardiovascular ICU for over 3 weeks now, with no end in sight. I cannot begin to express our gratitude for the wonderful care she has received. I was allowed to spend several nights with her while in the CICU & was able to observe her care closely. Yes, I admit that I became a "Monitor monster." LOL But the nurses were willing to explain what each reading represented & I was able to have some sort of idea of what was happening. They allowed me to help care for my sister, at least a small amount, or maybe they just allowed me to believe what I was doing helped.

I especially appreciate that when someone mentioned my nursing aspirations, they encouraged me & went out of their way to explain even more & demonstrated some procedures. I was even allowed to stay in the room when a PICC line was inserted. Now, you may think that a very minor thing but to me it was fascinating & I appreciated the opportunity to watch & also to help keep my sister calm.

So, thank you for all you do. I am blown away by your skills, your patience, and your compassion. I don't know how things will turn out for my sister as she is still very critical but I do know that if, God forbid, she doesn't make it, it won't be because the nurses didn't go the extra mile.
Dixie

[midcom]

I forgot to add that she had some really good nurses on the 6th floor before she was transferred to CICU. One especially is everything I hope to be in a nurse.
Dixie