March 2017
Andrea
Matter
,
RN, BSN
Harrisburg Hospital, 10 North
PinnacleHealth System
Harrisburg
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Andrea is the warm, caring, reassuring nurse on the other end of the "help" button pressed repeatedly by our mother. Andrea replaced our mother's anxiety and demands with conversation and compassion. During one particular moment, Andrea sat alongside our mother, took her hand, and asked her about her family. It was the first time our mother smiled and stopped fidgeting. Andrea's mere presence and interest provided a level of calm. When her shift ended, Andrea extended hugs and meaningful words to our family and described our mother as special.