Care, Compassion … and Canines
The Trauma Unit nurse noticed her patient seemed distressed.
His vital signs were okay but a frown was fixed on his face. She asked what was bothering the man and whether there was anything she could do to help.
The patient, who was injured in a car accident, had suddenly remembered his dog was caged inside his apartment. He had no idea how to get to the pet to make sure she was okay.
The exchange between nurse and patient kicked off a tale that’s equal parts heart and head.
Was there someone she could call? The man’s roommate, the only other person with a key, was in the ICU with injuries from the same accident.
“How about a friend?” the nurse prompted. The patient remembered a name but didn’t have the person’s number in his cell phone. The nurse checked the phone book but came up empty-handed.
Each time she looked in on her patient, the nurse tried another route.
Did he know the friend’s parents’ names? Yes. Searching the Internet, she found a phone number for the friend’s father, called the man and explained the situation. The father got in touch with his son, who picked up the key from the patient and went to the apartment.
To everyone’s relief, the dog was fine.
Patient, friend, father, friend, and finally the worried patient’s pet. Each step along the way, the nurse had shown what it means to care for the whole person.
At Miami Valley Hospital there are many people dedicated to building the relationships that are fundamental to quality care. They are nurses, physicians and various clinical experts. They are housekeepers, campus police officers and registration staff. Together they are Miami Valley Hospital for the thousands of patients who visit our facilities each year.
Shining a light on their compassion and positive spirit is one of the goals of this new blog. I hope you’ll check back often to hear more of the stories I find so inspiring.
Mary Boosalis
Posted by: Mary Boosalis on 02/16/2010 | Back to President's Blog
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