Comfort Boakye
May 2022
Comfort
Boakye
,
BSN, RN
8RP
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Norfolk
,
VA
United States

 

 

 

...when she answered the phone and remembered me, it made a world of difference, and I knew my uncle was in good hands.
Comfort was one of the nurses for my uncle, who had brain surgery to remove a tumor. From the first time I met Comfort, she was very inviting and kind. After she took the report from the night nurse, she immediately asked if we had any questions or needed anything. I am my uncle's caretaker; I transport him to appointments and help him to understand and make medical decisions due to his memory and declining health. Once I told her this, she offered me her direct number to call with any questions.

One day, I called the nurse’s phone and Comfort answered, “Yes, Jessica it's me, Comfort!” in the most welcoming and joyous voice. I know this doesn't seem like much but when she answered the phone and remembered me, it made a world of difference, and I knew my uncle was in good hands. During this last call, my uncle was confused about details that were told to him and I had called the nurse to get some clarity. Comfort confirmed that he was confused and assured me that she had taken the time to explain everything more clearly to my uncle, so he had a complete understanding.

I work in healthcare, and I was impressed by the level of care Comfort gave me and my uncle. She went above and beyond anyone else that I encountered during his stay. Her care and compassion made an impact on me; it is very hard to be a caretaker on the outside when others on the team aren't contacting you or updating you on your loved one's care. I live 1.5 hours away and there was a bad weather prediction; Comfort understood the importance and urgency in making a decision about his discharge plans. Her attentive attitude toward finding the answers to my questions alleviated any uncertainty I had. Comfort went above and beyond while still showing patience and kindness. She made such a difference in a stressful situation for my family.