Transplant Nurses Day!

[Romona]

April 16th 2008 is The Third Annual Transplant Nurse's Day! Transplant Nurses Rock! Thank you for all you do for recipients pre and post transplant!
 

[Falkenbach]

Never heard of this - is this an international day of recognition, or just in the US?

[Romona]

I am not sure.

[KT0930]

cyco, I had never heard of it, either, so if you want to make it international, go for it! 

[Falkenbach]

Sounds good 

[Romona]

I am so bummed out. My coordinator is taking a different job. She was awesome. 

[okarol]

There was one nurse who stayed up with me all night right after the transplant. Jenna had ATG and IVIG about 26 hours after her surgery. That caused her fever to spike really high and I was freaked, fearing infection. I think I sat or paced, in the dark, and stared at Jenna for 6 hours straight. The nurse was great, she kept checking in often, I never had to ring her, she would quietly open the door and be careful not to wake Jenna. She listened to me. I think that was the most important thing, and I knew whatever happened she would be diligent about getting whatever Jenna needed. She had a very calming influence. Luckily by about 4 am the fever broke. I was sobbing and deliriously tired, but she gave me a hug, brought me coffee and told me what a good mom I was. Most of the other nurses were too busy, but this one was special.

[willieandwinnie]

Len had the most wonderful nurse the first 24 hours. She was a traveler and she stayed by his side for the entire 24 hours, an aid brought her what she needed and she ate meals right beside him. I mostly stayed in chair out in the hallway. Small private room and too much stuff. She told me that, all she does is transplant for the first 24 and she goes all over the country. She answered all my questions and never once made me feel like I was wasting her time. She was going to Texas the next day for a child that was getting a kidney. I wish there was some way I could thank her because she did make a difference in my life for a day.

[KT0930]

Getting one of Karol's kidney shaped cakes for our favorites would be great!

[Falkenbach]

Most of the nurses were very good at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but there is one in particular who is both very professional and also connects very well on a personal level. Her level of care is not sacrificed in order to maintain the professionalism. And she works so hard, she just seemed to be there at all hours of the day!!

[okarol]

Getting one of Karol's kidney shaped cakes for our favorites would be great!

YUMMMM ... cake...