I arrived at the RAH, I was quickly triaged and back out into the waiting room. Before long a nurse, Michelle, came out and took me into the fracture section of A&E. She quickly saw the severity of my ankle and helped me onto a bed and took me to x-ray herself rather than waiting for a porter. She advised the staff at x-ray to give her a call when I had been x-rayed and she would come and collect me - which she did. At this point she took me back to her room, showed me the x-ray and started to explain what was going on. She could see by my face I was overwhelmed by the severity and offered to go and get my mum - which she did. She then took the time to explain that I had a dislocation and fracture to my left ankle and would need the dislocation sorted and then a surgery for the fracture. Michelle explained everything in detail and made me feel comfortable and safe in her hands. When my mum left so I could go and get my ankle dislocation fixed she advised my mum that she would keep her updated with any information and reassured her... which she did!
Again, rather than waiting for a porter Michelle took me herself to resus to get my ankle reset. On the way I explained I was feeling very anxious and scared due to previous trauma I had. Michelle comforted me fully, explained everything that was going on and introduced me to anyone who was going to be caring for me. She instilled confidence in me and I felt completely safe, supported and understood in her very capable hands. Although I had only met this person I looked for her when I was feeling scared and all she did was smile and nod and I knew everything was ok. She kept me laughing and smiling throughout the procedure and again took me herself back to the fracture unit so I was with her rather than waiting for a porter. When we were back on the unit she got my mum back and although she was now seeing many other patients as I was waiting to go for an operation she continued to check in when she was walking past to make sure I was doing ok.
Michelle is the definition of the perfect nurse. I could not have asked for better care or understanding. This experience could have been incredibly difficult for me due to previous trauma but Michelle's relaxed, understanding and very knowledgeable influence made me feel completely safe within her care. I had a very bad fracture and dislocation to my ankle but I had an incredible nurse to get me through it who I will be forever grateful for.
"The definition of the perfect nurse"
About: Royal Alexandra Hospital / Accident & Emergency Royal Alexandra Hospital Accident & Emergency PA2 9PN
Posted by Laura927 (as ),
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