My hospital stay started out like every other one in the past. I went into the emergency room with pain and weakness likely caused by either my neurological disease or connective tissue disease, both of an autoimmune origin. These visits usually ended quickly with “we’ve determined that your life is not in danger. Here are your discharges- follow up with your primary.” This visit would prove to be different though. I was assigned to the new Molokai South wing where I had the best nurse I could ask for.

Not only was Bianca caring and compassionate, but she also went above and beyond as my diligent hospitalist did everything in his power to help me. My husband, “the jokester,” was there every day, all day, and along with my frequent “nurse calls,” she had him to deal with as well, and always had a caring smile on her face! She answered every question we had about my care and medications, and when she didn’t know the answer, went and found it. She had other patients on the floor to whom she paid just as much attention, so she was always on the go. I know she was exhausted by the end of her shift but she never showed it.

One evening when my stress from this illness got the better of me, I broke down and bawled my eyes out and Bianca was on the receiving end. She did what I wish more people would do- she listened. Bianca is absolutely PERFECT for this award. Having said this, I feel like I should add that the other nurses and aides were amazing as well! 

Again, thank you Bianca for your empathy, kindness, and dedication. When I am discharged today I will miss her the most, and truly hope my nurses are even half as great as her!