Doctors, Nurses, and other Healthcare Staff, oh my!

  I intended to post this information last month, but circumstances prevented me from completing it. Maybe someone missed the Kindness post and needed to read it. LOL

After my mom’s fourteen-day stay at Club Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, I wanted to recognize healthcare workers. These people are a special breed. In the last month, my mother has had firsthand experience with hospital care. I was her sidekick through morning and night shifts and observed and applauded each nurse, doctor, PA, Tech, and Environmental person who made our visit beyond what I could have expected.

How can I thank all the nurses and staff in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit and emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital? The compassion and expertise were above and beyond. It’s interesting how doctors and nurses can be different in their demeanor and still give the best care. The needs of the patients are of utmost importance. Nurses and doctors have patience for their patients. (That should be on a t-shirt.)They put their patients and families at ease by explaining each procedure and answering all questions.

So, my shout-out goes to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room staff at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. May you receive the same kind of specialized care you gave our family.

Now, Club Saint Joseph’s may not be your first choice of stay when you visit Savannah. But let me enlighten you on some of the amenities it has to offer. My mother and I were blessed with a window view in each room, allowing us to watch the sunrise in the east each morning. Can you say circadian clock set?

Each nurse at the NICU is assigned two patients. They are busy caring for each need. They will help other colleagues when appropriate. The collaboration between nurses and doctors was evident and appreciated. These staff members were excited and cheery each day. Maybe they train at Disney?

Hungry? St. Joe’s is renowned for its cafeteria food, especially on Fridays. It was encouraging to see hospital staff of all ranks dining there throughout the day. Surprisingly, locals came for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is delicious, and you can’t beat the prices. Eating healthy for under ten dollars was a treat. Luckily, the azaleas and dogwoods were in bloom and put on a spring show at each meal.

Speaking of locals visiting, St. Joseph’s gift shop has a plethora of cool stuff, from clothing, dishes, gifts, and some necessities. They even have a website where you can order after discharge.

Feeling lonely away from home? The wait time for elevators was beneficial in meeting new acquaintances. Everyone has a story and a different plight in life. There’s always a reason for meeting certain people at times. Maybe someone needed that smile or banter at that particular time.

Well, you know I’m going to mention kindness. Sometimes, God sends angels in disguise to minister to you at your lowest points. I experienced that. I was sitting in the cafeteria when I noticed a woman looking for a table. I offered her a seat at my table. We started chatting and exchanging names. That was nice. Throughout my stay, we continued to bump into each other and offer pleasantries. She was local and even invited me to come over and take a shower and wash clothes. Stranger Danger caused me to refuse her offer. I wondered if I would have invited a stranger to my house in those circumstances. Her compassion for me, a stranger, was an act of kindness. I didn’t ask her for anything; she offered. Just having someone to talk to was a mental stress breaker. IYKYK. Brandy lost her mother that week. It was a reminder that we are not in control. God’s timing is not ours.

I believe in God’s timing in our lives. Going to the emergency room uncovered some underlying issues that my mother was not aware of at the time. She was asymptomatic- no symptoms.

I appreciate my visit to Club Saint Joe’s. However, in the future, I would like to check out some other places God has created—sand and waves may be calling my name.

Several of my family members have been or are in the healthcare profession. I have a new respect for their service. Thank you.

Share a good experience with an Angel of Mercy or another caregiver.