Brenda Whitaker
April 2021
Brenda
Whitaker
,
ADN, RN
Ortho PACU/Pre-op
Memorial Hermann Memorial City
Houston
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

She looked you in the eye and held your hand to ensure you knew everything was going to be alright. She helped me every step of the way. 
Brenda was amazing. I met Brenda, or BJ, as she allowed after waking up post op from my L hip Surgery. BJ was immediately there to comfort me. Her caring, compassion, skill, and experience were all in evidence. She was there for you. She looked you in the eye and held your hand to ensure you knew everything was going to be alright. She helped me every step of the way. 

BJ helped me transition from the bed to sit up and then move to the chair. Just as I stood up, my bladder let go. I was highly embarrassed and somewhat defeated at that moment. BJ was not going to let me feel that way. She made sure I knew this was not uncommon and all was going to be fine. I was cleaned up, and no harm was done to my incision. She made very sure I always focused on the positive and taking that next step. 

I have been around a number of nurses before, and BJ is one of the very best. BJ always kept my husband informed and brought him back to stay with me when it was appropriate with ease and professionalism. 

After I finally got to do my PT and demonstration with a walker, I was safe to go home, and there was no one left. BJ and I were nearly the only ones left. She prepared me for transport and put me in the big black padded chair to take me down to our car. While rolling down, we talked casually as friends because we had made no connections, and I told BJ she embodied what it means to be a nurse to find your calling and care for others. She said, "You know I could retire, but I love what I do", and it shows as bright as the sun. BJ looks and acts 25 years younger, and clearly her work is also keeping her young for the benefit of all of us. I was blessed to have her as my PACU nurse. I wish her many, many more years of service because nurses like BJ come along so rarely, and we all need that kind of love and light to come into our lives when we need it most. Thank you, BJ. I know my recovery was directly improved by your care. Best wishes.