As many of you know, my husband had a horrible stroke on December 6. But I didn't go into the fact that he tested positive for covid so I had to leave 2 hours after I'd arrived per the ER covid policy. On another floor, I'd be able to go in. But being short staffed, they had no rooms on another floor. The next day, after being told he probably wouldn't make it through the night, the doctor still wouldn't let me come in so I could say goodbye. That's when an angel of an RN in the ER treating my husband called me. Aware of the situation, she told me to come in and she'd take responsibility for it. When I arrived, this nurse immediately whisked me back into my husband's room. She got me into a long, plastic covering, gloves and added a face shield over my mask. She grabbed an aide who moved my coat and purse elsewhere. For anyone passing by, we looked like two staff in the room. A little later, because of the saline drip they were going administer for the brain swelling, my husband now qualified for the ICU, and he was moved. And now, the protocol in ICU allowed for 2 visitors. Our pastor came in, and I said good-bye to my husband, so grateful I was able to do so. As many of you know, my husband miraculously pulled through and is recovering nicely and already speaking in sentences. I share my story because I've read so many other stories here of heartache of loved ones in the hospital and being powerless to do anything against the ridiculous covid protocols. The feeling is awful. But there still are some awake, caring people out there, willing to do the right thing. When we were moving my husband to the ICU, she said she simply could no longer keep family members apart because of rules that made no sense. My heart aches for everyone dealing with loved ones with covid in the hospitals. I was somehow blessed with an RN angel. Happy New Year to everybody, and count all the blessings you have.
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This is how it used to be, nurses and doctors, even, would be the patients advocates and hospitals would accommodate visitors when they could because of the psychological boost from the support. Needless to say some visitors were not helpful, or abused the hospital by stealing things, but all in all it usually worked out. God bless this nurse who remembered the principle of caring and God bless you in the New Year.
Thanks very much for this. I'll look into it. That's what I love about this board... the constant helping and caring and sharing to others.