April Vise, RN

I was a victim of gun violence during a mass shooting. I was at a bonfire when shots suddenly rang out, and I was struck in both legs. In a matter of moments, my life changed. I don’t remember much from that night, but I will always remember April and the way she cared for me.

In the middle of so much fear and confusion, her presence is what stayed with me. That experience showed me just how deeply the quality of care can impact a patient—not only physically, but in the moments that matter most emotionally.

My nurse, April, RN at Marion General Hospital in Columbia, MS, made an incredible difference during one of the most frightening and vulnerable moments of my life. From the moment I arrived, she didn’t hesitate. She stepped in, took control, and made sure I was cared for and protected. But more than that, she brought a sense of calm into a situation that felt completely overwhelming.

In the middle of pain, fear, and uncertainty, she still found a way to make me smile and even laugh in one of the most vulnerable moments of my life—when I didn’t know if I was going to be okay or what kind of permanent injuries I might have.

April didn’t just treat me as a patient; she treated me like a person who mattered. The way she spoke to me, reassured me, and stayed present made me feel safe in a moment where everything felt out of control. She gave me comfort when I needed it most, and a sense of peace in the middle of chaos.

I am forever grateful that she was there with me that night, keeping me calm and caring for me when I needed it the most. Even though so much of that night is a blur, her kindness, her compassion, and the way she showed up for me are something I will never forget.

April is the kind of nurse who leaves a lasting impact on your heart, and she is exactly the kind of nurse I hope to become one day.