A Day at the Hospital

[NoahsMommy]

First some background info:

I'm working at a local hospital in their admitting department. Each patient comes to me and I get them registered for sugeries, procedures, tests, etc. I meet people about to have babies and people struggling with cancer. Each day is new and exciting and I have MANY opportunities to touch someone's life in their moment of need. I've only been there since last Wednesday.

Today was an interesting day...

At around 7:30 a.m. we hear overhead, "Code White in the ER, Code White in the ER" (code white= infant emergency situation) about ten minutes later, we heard, "Respiratory to the ER, STAT, Respiratory to the ER, STAT!!" It worried both of us that were at work at the time.

Some time passed and I met lots of new people...mostly nice. I had someone ask to speak to my manager about me...she told her such nice things, I was embaressed. I met a man that seemed very upset that his wife was having their 4th baby. Usually the fathers are excited...I didn't know what to do with him.

Later on, I met another couple that were due Sunday, but their baby boy wanted his birthday sooner, and she was admitted.

I then met a woman I've about adopted as a second grandmother. She was there because of repeated bloodclots in her legs. She'd had them in her pelvis, in her lung and in her arms. When she needed to sign the paperwork, she hurt so bad, she was near tears. When I found out she didn't have family, I about died. I gave her my cell number and told her to call me if she ever needed me. I gave her a bunch of gentle hugs and took her to her test. I later got a call that she was admitted...so I'll be visiting her tomorrow after work or at my lunch hour. She was such a dear and alone and in such pain. My heart about broke.

We later found out, that code white was an 8-year-old, who went to heaven this morning. I don't know anything other than the fact that after it happened, our ER was flooded with police officers, horrified, crying family members and two chaplans. My heart went out to that family, I cannot ever imagine losing a child, especially one so young.

At about 2:00, I registered a 3-month-old red headed, blue eyed baby boy for a chest xray to check for RSV. He was an absolute dear!! He alone has changed my preference for children. He giggled with me, smiled for me...PRECOUS!! His poor mom was so scared for him. I left her and prayed that little Nicholas will be just fine.

Its truly and interesting environment, a hospital. You can check in a happy couple, awaiting their baby...and then hear your last patient died.

I love it there...I hope that each patient I enteract with, even if grumpy, will be a bit better off because of me. I'm so glad I took this job...its perfect for me.

Just thought you'd be interested.

[just me]

What a great post.
Congrats on your new job.
Sounds like you will be great at it.

[AmberLee]

You've brought happy tears to my eyes. {{{hugs}}}

[Jadapit]

It sounds like you are as perfect for the job as it is for you! Thank you for being there for those people and showing them compassion. The world is a much better place with compassion in it. The story of the 8 year old going to heaven brought me to tears. God Bless her family. I can not imagine what they are going through right now.

[Logan]

Kelly, I'm not sure you know what a blessing you are to these people; to all of us who "know" you. Please don't let this take an emotional toll on you though. I'm so happy that you are feeling the benefits of this opportunity and you wouldn't be "our" Kelly if you didn't react to all you see. I just want you to be ok. Perhaps we can all include those you mention in our prayers, too.

Much love and good luck tomorrow!!!

Logan

[new mom to a veiled]

Oh what a special person you are!!!! Your job sounds like an emotional roller coaster!!!! It seems you really put your heat and soul into it every day. Bless you for your care and compasion. As mentioned by Logan lets all keep those others in our prayers.

[Karen]

Glad you're on the correct side of the desk now! I miss my friend's red-headed babies, they're all getting pretty big by now, but your describing that little one reminded me of them (they moved to PA, so I don't get to see them anymore.)

[NoahsMommy]

You are all very sweet. ((hugs))

I just started this thread because even though I've been a patient far too many times, I didn't see this side of the hospital...so I figured most people don't and wanted to share it.

Luckily, my faith enables me not only to remain happy and positive despite what happens, but also keeps me understanding there is a plan for each and every person.

I too feel so badly for the family that lost their 8 year old. I'm planning on asking one of the ER admitters tomorrow what happened.

Great idea to keep them in your prayers, guys. Thank you. The older woman whom I've adopted is named Mary. She needs prayers for sure.

Hugs,
Kelly

[luvofallhorses]

Kelly,

What an absolute angel you are. That is so sad about the 8-year old going to heaven this morning. Many hugs to you!!

Love,

Krista & the fuzz butts

Also, I will hold them close in my thoughts and prayers.

[carole]

Kelly you are an absolute asset to the hospital in more ways than I can say, if only everyone was as compassionate as you are, I think having been through the ordeals you have in life, really makes a difference, If only everyone could remember to have a kind word for people, who are often terrified, or really stressed out, I can remember another lady like you, the receptionist at the specialist my mother went to when she had her Breast Cancer, she was so nice to my mother, and it made all the difference.

The hospital is only beginning to know what an angel they have employed.

[caseysmom]

It just seems like all you have suffered through has been for a purpose, see how much empathy you now have for all the patients. You brought tears to my eyes.

[Christiansmommy]

That job sure does sound like you will be perfect for it...I think the job will be as good for you (since you enjoy it so much) (in the midst of some hard times you have been faced with), and you will be just as good for the job, in that your ability with people in a crisis situation seems to be so heartfelt. It seems like it will be very rewarding...you will be giving so much of yourself, and in the same reguard getting so much back (like how you did with Mary)...you were probably both angels unaware for each other today. Glad things are working out for you!!

Robyn

[dukedogsmom]

Your job sounds neat! You must really be a people person to have gotten compliments already. Don't be embarrassed, just be proud. That's nice that you have "adopted" that lady. I'm sure she really appreciates it.

[catnapper]

Thank you Kelly for talking about that,. What a truly amazing scene you painted.

It makes me so happy to hear how happy you are right now! I hope it continues to get better and better for you!

[carole]

There is really just something special about our kelly, I just wanna wrap my arms around her and protect her and hug her to bits, and make all well with her, you are one very special lovely person Kelly, and I hope life brings you so much good things from now on, if anyone deserves it, it is you my dear. LOVE YA KELLY.