Following an extended stay and readmission due to complications, my husband had left to go home following a visit with my two young boys. The frustrations of my diagnosis, complications, being homesick, and general "hospitalitis" caused me to cry after they left. Amanda came in and asked if I was okay. I responded I was fine and didn't mean anything. She hesitated to leave but once I assured her I was fine, she left. A few minutes later, Amanda returned and said, "I'm sorry, I can't leave you like this. There's no judging, I'm a mom too."
Amanda held my hand and sat with me while I cried. Having someone so caring to just sit with me without feeling the need to talk was all I needed and it meant so much to have her take the time out of her busy schedule to do this. All of the nursing staff learn how to do skills, chart and complete assessments; nurses such as Amanda who place equal importance on the caring aspect and emotional needs of a patient are the ones who truly shine! Although this is long overdue, Amanda's kindness is something I will never forget about this hospitalization.