After celebrating my mom's birthday, I was unexpectedly sent to the emergency room at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. What began as a day of joy quickly turned into one of fear and uncertainty. I had two large kidney stones obstructing both sides of my urinary tract. The only option to protect my kidneys was the urgent surgical placement of nephrostomy tubes on both sides. My family and I were distraught.

The shock of the diagnosis, the urgency of the situation, and the abrupt shift from celebration to crisis left us overwhelmed, especially since it was my first time transitioning into the adult healthcare world. After my procedure, I was quickly transferred to the south building. That’s when we met Nurse Bree. In my experience, nurses often mainly focus on the patient, which makes sense. Nurse Bree, however, went above and beyond. From the moment I was brought to my room, she not only ensured that I was receiving the care I needed but also extended that same care and attention to my family. She made them feel genuinely welcome and supported in a time of great worry and doubt.

What stood out most was the way she explained everything with empathy and clarity, especially when it came to managing the nephrostomy tubes. She took the time to clean the sites, check for any signs of infection, and carefully drain the tubes herself. While doing so, she patiently explained each step to my mom and me, making sure we felt informed and reassured. She covered important details that other staff members had not mentioned, and she did it all with compassion and professionalism. Her calm presence was grounding. Near the end of my stay, just before I was to be discharged to a less intensive care building, my mom, dad, and sister ended up chatting with her about the best places to visit when they’re in Houston, from aquariums to museums.

It was a simple moment, but it brought a welcome change of pace when everything felt overwhelming. She created a space where we felt safe. Nurse Bree is a shining example of how a single presence can transform a time of distress, not just through skill or action but through the way she made us feel seen, understood, and valued. Her compassion, attention to detail, and ability to connect with both patient and family left a lasting imprint on all of us. She also ensured that we were well-equipped with the knowledge and confidence to manage care effectively even after we left her side.