It finally happened to me..

Published

Every day that I drive to and from work I take a particular commuter road I like to call the Redneck Raceway. You can bet there is a daily accident that backs traffic up for miles. Driving on this road is dangerous. I always told my spouse "one of these days someone on a cell phone/curling their hair/popping their pimples is going to cream me..I just know it!"

Well it finally happened. A few days before Christmas I was put right in the middle of a 6 car pile up. The engine to my car was nearly in the cab and I was briefly knocked unconscious. Somehow I managed to climb out of my car and run to the side of the road to avoid being hit again. Panic, fear, pain, all kinds of emotions start flowing as I think about the fact I was nearly decapitated. In the middle of my panic attack someone walks up to me, a woman, mid forties. She gives me the biggest, most sincere hug I have ever felt. A sense of calmness came over me. She says "I'm a nurse. You are going to be ok." I have never felt more relieved.

She hugged me for what seemed like an eternity. That was ok with me because it meant I didn't have to watch the ensuing chaos around me. I felt guarded, protected. How did she know I needed this consolation more than I needed oxygen? This nurse had been a few cars back and had witnessed the accident. The next person behind her, an ER physician. Someone was certainly watching over me. I have always been the person to stop and offer assistance to those that might be scared or injured, even before I became a nurse.

After reading a few posts on here I often contemplated NOT stopping for reasons we have all mulled over. After my experience I will without any doubt, always stop and offer hugs... and CPR. I want to encourage my colleagues to do the same. It is amazing how something as simple as a hug can be so powerful. I am forever thankful for that nurse. I often think about her when I'm driving to work on the RR and start to feel anxious. I just wish I knew her name so I could thank her.

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Nurseamanda00-I'm so glad to hear you are okay after the accident. Car accidents are scary! You life can change in a heartbeat. What a caring gesture from the nurse that stopped to help you. If you cannot thank her in person, sounds like maybe you will pay it forward someday in kind. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It's reassuring to know there are people in the world who will take time to stop & help a person in need.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Thank you for this heartwarming story which reminds us that the art of nursing is just as important as the scientific aspects. A display of caring is often remembered for many years. Even though the patient might not always remember our names, they'll remember how me made them feel.

I'm pleased you apparently recovered from this car accident.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

You have managed to summed up what has been important to me for 34 years. Yes, you need to technical stuff....and I have always loved the sickest of the sick. But the thing that has always stuck me the most....... is how we affect peoples lives in the brief moments that we have encounters with them that have a forever impact on their lives.

I so glad you are OK and for so poignantly stating what nursing is really all about.....that in the moment of chaos....that moment of kindness, assurance, compassion....is sometimes the most important.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

God bless that nurse wherever she is . . .people who offer a completely unselfish act of generosity like that tend to minimize or think "anybody would've done that!" when so many would not have. As the receiver of that generosity, even though you may not be able to thank her personally, it resulted in an insight that you will never forget as you go forward through your career. That can be your "thank you".

Also, so glad you're OK! Recovering from the trauma to your psyche may take a while. I was surprised at how long I stayed stressed-out after a serious (rollover)car accident in which I wasn't seriously injured. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Specializes in Psych/AOD.

Thank you for this wonderful and touching post!

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Specializes in ICU.

I am so glad that you are ok. That you were able to walk away from the cars and into a stranger's arms and be ok...wow, that was a really powerful story. Even on regular days, physical contact such as hugs are essential for our emotional health. Again, so glad you are ok!!

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Like other have said in previous posts, never underestimate the power of touch!!!!! It is very important!!!

Dianna

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Thank you for sharing your story. The human touch is something everyone should receive everyday. I actually read somewhere once that each person should have at least 7 touches a day (handshake, pat on the back, etc) to maintain some sort of psych balance.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Driving is a dangerous thing. I am mindful of this each day when staff that I am responsible for go out to visit patients in all sort of bad weather!

I am so glad that you are okay and that you were comforted by a brave soul who dared to stop...

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Specializes in ER.

Thanks, you've given me a reason to stop. My nursing skills disappear during a crisis, but I can hug, always.

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Thank you for sharing your story.

So glad that you are O.k.

What an awesome nurse/angel you had to comfort you! :saint:

~May we all be in tune to those that are suffering~

Take Care & God Bless!

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