I began feeling ill with loss of appetite, nausea, and a variety of other gastrointestinal symptoms. Within a week of symptom onset, I had unintentionally lost ten pounds and was showing no signs of improvement. My husband took me to RAMC’s Emergency Department, where I was met by a compassionate medical team who performed lab work and provided IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. Although the labs were inconclusive, I showed some clinical improvement and was discharged with the suspicion of a viral illness and instructions to follow up with my primary care provider.

I returned home hopeful that with fluids onboard and access to anti-nausea medication, I would begin to feel better. Unfortunately, the opposite occurred.

Five days after my initial visit, I returned to the ER with worsening symptoms, including heart palpitations, profound weakness, and continued unintentional weight loss. I was miserable and, quite honestly, terrified. Having experienced gastrointestinal illnesses before, I knew this felt different—more severe, more persistent, and unlike anything I had experienced in the past.

Upon arrival, my husband and I were immediately greeted by Dana, RN. She quickly triaged my condition, brought me back to a room, and initiated a cardiac workup. From the very beginning, Dana demonstrated not only clinical competence, but something equally important: genuine compassion and the ability to truly hear her patient.

I come from a family of nurses—my sister has been an RN for over two decades—so I admit I hold nurses to very high standards. Dana met and exceeded those standards in every way. She was incredibly thorough during intake and chart review and communicated with me continuously throughout my care. Before administering any medication, she clearly explained what it was, the amount I would be receiving, what symptom it was intended to treat, and what effects I might experience. Whether it was warning me that a medication might burn or cause drowsiness, she ensured I was informed, prepared, and comfortable.

Dana also attended to my needs before I even realized I had them. As I lay shivering in bed, insisting I wasn’t cold because I hate feeling like a burden, she made the executive decision to bring me multiple warm blankets fresh from the warmer. Sometimes patients don’t ask for what they need—and with Dana, I didn’t have to. She was always one step ahead.

Throughout the visit, I underwent additional lab work, imaging, including a CT scan, and a comprehensive evaluation. While a definitive diagnosis remained unclear, the supportive care and interventions I received that day helped turn things around and set me on a better path physically and emotionally.

I continued to struggle with this illness for the remainder of the month—I wasn’t even able to eat Christmas dinner—but each day slowly became more manageable. By mid-January, my appetite improved, and I was able to gradually expand my diet. Throughout my recovery, I often thought about Dana and how fortunate I was to have her as my ER nurse during one of the most frightening moments of my life.

I arrived at the ER shaky, miserable, and on the verge of tears. By the time I was discharged, I was able to manage a few weak laughs. Dana recognized my high level of anxiety and addressed it with empathy, while also validating that my suffering was real and not “all in my head.” Before discharge, she encouraged me to return for supportive care if my symptoms became unbearable and not to suffer in silence.

When she asked if there was anything else she could do for me, I thanked her profusely and jokingly asked if she could come live with me while I healed. She paused, placed her hand on my arm, and said, “What an honor for you to say such a thing.” I could tell she truly meant it. I have the utmost respect for the nursing profession and for those who dedicate their lives to bedside care.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Dana, for making me feel safe, heard, and genuinely cared for during my ER visits.