I came into the emergency department in pain, exhausted, scared, and very nervous. I was in pain and exhausted as I was having an unusually heavy and difficult period, which was a frustrating experience already let alone getting to the point where I felt warranted a trip to the hospital. I was nervous because I had gone to another local hospital the day prior for the same reason and received the worst medical care I have yet to experience in my life with no answers leaving me feeling very scared. Was I overreacting? Making a big deal out of nothing? I knew something was wrong my symptoms were getting worse and I needed help.

In comes Alyssa; from the beginning she had such a calm and comforting demeanor, it was as if I was talking to my best friend, which given the circumstances made things so much easier. Alyssa listened to everything I had to say, validated my feelings, and showed so much compassion that I began to not feel so nervous. It was immediately obvious that she was genuinely a very kind and caring person. She was my advocate; she was my voice, and she took such incredible care of me that I was able to focus on feeling better.

Alyssa was more than a great nurse, she was a shining example of the respect, compassion, and dignity you’d expect from a nurse. Thank you, Alyssa, there are not enough words to describe how much I appreciate you.