Like almost everyone who comes to the emergency room, Ed and Linda Huck were scared when they were taken by EMS from a local walk-in clinic to Tallahassee Memorial’s Bixler Emergency Center. Ed was suffering from what they thought was bacterial pneumonia and breathing was becoming more and more difficult.
“I really wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” said Ed.
Thankfully, although frightened, the Hucks found what all families who walk though Tallahassee Memorial’s emergency room doors find: life saving care and compassion.
Ed’s condition took him directly up to the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) for constant monitoring. There, hooked up to IVs and a breathing apparatus, Ed met Shana Geil, RN. Shana was administering medication to Ed and stayed in his room to document his chart when things took a turn for the worse. Ed’s fingertips and lips began turning blue – Shana took quick action to ensure Ed was breathing and stabilize him.
“When my patients are critically ill I always stay in the room to monitor them while I chart,” said Shana. “Ed was very sick, so I stayed in the room to keep an eye on him. I’m really glad I did.”
Throughout Ed’s stay, Shana kept a watchful eye. She made sure Ed had everything he needed, including a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine and a humidifier so he could sleep at night. She also became Ed’s resource as he was prescribed more medication.
“Shana saved my life. Her level of professionalism and compassion was amazing. She was an advocate for Linda and I; she even came in at the end of her shift to make sure I was OK before she left. She is an outstanding nurse,” said Ed.
Thankfully, Ed was discharged after about a week in the hospital. He is recovering well, and has a new passion for promoting the kind of care he received from Shana and the nurses at Tallahassee Memorial.
“Not only did I nominate Shana for a Daisy Nursing Award,” said Ed. “But, I’ve also donated to the Tallahassee Memorial Foundation to support training for nurses so that others can receive the same level of care that I did.”
Ed’s donation was hand-delivered when he came back to personally thank Shana, and all the nurses who helped him at TMH.
“I’m not one for the spotlight,” said Shana. “But Ed’s kind words and generosity mean a lot to me. I’ve always treated my patients like they were my own family, it boils down to one simple idea: treat others the way you want to be treated. I’m glad I got to take care of Ed, and I’m proud that he’s supporting the nursing profession as a result.”
