A Hug Goes a Long Way

I was recently admitted to Adventist Medical Center - Hanford for nosebleeds, which as a nurse, I never would have thought it could be that bad! I was admitted the Friday before Christmas. I thought that it would be a quick day or two and I would be home. Unfortunately that night, I once again started bleeding and had to have emergency surgery. I was all alone when this happened because my husband had just left to check on our kids. I was scared and tired.

A nurse saw how shaken up I was and that I was alone. She asked if I would like a hug and I shook my head "yes." She gave me the most wonderful hug and told me everything was going to be OK. I know that it wasn't a "medical thing" she did, but that support and reassurance was what I needed. It meant so much to me! She didn't take care of me the rest of my stay, but made it a point to stop by my room a couple of days later just to say hello and see how I was.

There was one other person that I am grateful for: The night charge nurse. My nosebleeds tended to happen at night and they were always very scary for me. When I would call for help, the charge nurse always took time to come and check on me. It was so comforting to know that she was there watching out for me.

All the people who cared for me touched my life forever. I get misty-eyed just thinking of this time period that was so scary for me and knowing that my fellow Adventist Health employees made such a difference in my life.

Cricket Lyles, RN, is the Clinical Manager for Adventist Health / Home Care and Hospice in Hanford.