Nomination from a Patient:

I have been in the hospital now for almost four weeks. I still have roughly two months to go. When I came into the hospital I was in really bad shape, couldn’t use either arm, could barely make it to the bedside toilet, found out I had a stroke, infection and bleeding on my brain, infection in my lungs, kidneys and blood stream, a massive vegetation on a valve in my heart and found out I had to have a valve replaced in my heart and shoulder surgery. At 33 years old it was devastating and extremely scary to find all of this out. I’m a mother of 3 boys, 2 stepdaughters, 3 stepsons, and 4 grand babies. I went to Greenville and had shoulder surgery and I’m waiting for heart surgery now. Since returning to Oconee my care has been above and beyond, not just from my scheduled nurses, but everyone on the floor. Everyone has been so kind, and everyone has played a huge role in my care. I do a lot of walking, and everyone always speaks to me and is so kind with words of encouragement and care. My health would not be where it is without every one of the nurses. When they see I’m down they lift me up, when they see I’m not feeling well they show such care, compassion, and love on both shifts. There is no way I could choose just one, they have all become family. For someone like me it really makes the world of difference, from the ladies at the desk to the assistants and all the nurses on the floor. All of you are so amazing. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you. Y’all have helped me get to where I am, and I am so blessed to have each and every one of you. You all deserve far more than an award and know that y’all really make a huge difference. Thank you again, y’all have become family and I love each and every one of you. Y’all are all extraordinary.