When I was 13, my 17 year old sister became pregnant with her first child. My sister was something of a hero to me, strong, smart, determined. (even though on the outside I "hated" her:chuckle) So when she went into premature labor I was scared for her. I watched as the nurses/drs kind of ignored her and didn't really talk to her (lowly teen mother).
There were issues with her meds and she ended up in the ICU, on a ventilator with 6 chest tubes pumping the fluid out of her lungs. She stayed in that ICU for 6mths, at times clinging to life, she couldn't talk because of her trach, she lost weight and she had to be taken care of like a baby.
She had this one male nurse who treated her with such care and dignity. After school I would ride the city bus and spend the afternoon in her room. I remember one day she needed to use the bed pan, but I couldn't get it to her in time and she went all over herself and the bed. The smell was horrible.
Her male nurse came into the room smooth as you please didn't even bat an eye. He cleaned her real gentle like a newborn. I was so amazed by him. I was there so much some days he would allow me to help just a little.
Those six months changed my life. It made me want to help people. To treat them with respect no matter what. I took a long road to get here but I'm here now!:redpinkhe
My sister is fine went on to get married and have another baby years later. My nephew is now over six feet tall and healthy.
