From The Wrong Side of the Bedrails

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I recently spent some time in the hospital with a DVT that turned into a pulmonary embolism. It was dangerous and scary, and the location of the emboli (saddle PE) was even more so. As it turns out, I had a great experience in no small part because of the nurses who took care of me.

I was in a unit that was about half a step below ICU, so they had very good staffing (3-4 pts per nurse, tops). If I used the call light, either a nurse or tech would be with me in less than a a minute or two; I was on bed rest and had to call for assistance to the commode, so their prompt response was much appreciated. They were even faster when they had me on a bed alarm for the first two days! 

But we really connected when I mentioned the fact that I was a retired nurse. We exchanged stories and had more than a few laughs over them; luckily I had the same two nurses every day and night for three of the five days I was in, so there was good continuity of care. At first I was a little freaked out knowing I could die, but I didn’t want my family to freak out too so I sat on my emotions. My nurses encouraged me to let it out—cry, talk about it, cry some more—and it helped. A lot. 

So this is a big THANK YOU to those nurses, and in fact all nurses. From the wrong side of the bed rails, I salute you and wish every one of you a great Nurses Week, even though you’re way overworked and stressed out. I appreciate you!

[Davey Do]

Empathy and gladness for you, Marla!

In this nursing world of grief and strife, it's good to hear when there's no "looms but the horror of the shade"! And thanks for sharing your story of unwoe.

My medical nurse wife Belinda and I experienced similar circumstances earlier this year:

Our Lap Chole Story - General Nursing Support, Stories - allnurses

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

On 5/5/2022 at 2:28 AM, VivaLasViejas said:

"My nurses encouraged me to let it out—cry, talk about it, cry some more"

WOW.

I am happy you made it, happy you got such good care. I have been in the hospital three times in the last two years. I found the care to be horrible... and I am wondering why the difference. I was always grateful and said please and thank you. I am not sure if anybody knew I was a nurse or not.

The first admit... I had to be resuscitated. I was so scared. Not one nurse/ doctor encouraged me to talk about it. 

Don't mean to hijack your thread. 

Stay well.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

So glad that you're through your experience! I can only imagine that was a very challenging time for you. Good to hear that you received excellent care from the staff and that you're recovered. 

[HiddenAngels]

Thaaaankkk YOU!!!

and thanks for sharing ?, I'm so glad you're okay?????

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Thanks. Me too! 

[nursel56]

I'd rather read a story like this for Nurse's Week than get a travel mug or tote bag emblazoned with a healthcare corporation logo, Viva!

Seriously, not only does a unit such as you describe benefit the patient-- it benefits the nurses who work there.  It's good to hear a functional unit culture experience amid all the horror shows we read about here.

Prayers for your continued healing, my friend.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I'm so happy you're okay!

I recently took care of a retired nurse and she was a pleasure.  We talked about nursing and how it's changed and how lucky she is to be retired.  

I've also taken care recently of "that nurse".  She was demanding, unreasonable and complained a lot.

It's hit or miss with nurses as patients and family members.  Most I've found are a pleasure and understanding.  They've been there and know what we're going through.

Stay well.

[Emergent, RN]

I'm glad you're okay, @VivaLasViejas

❤??