I had the great good fortune to have Darlene Cooper as my nurse during a recent stay at Rapid City Regional Hospital. I was admitted after emergency surgery to remove a tumor. Over the course of 48 hours, I went from a newly retired healthy woman to a cancer patient. Darlene's care and compassion were beyond any I have experienced over a long career in healthcare. She held my hand while I cried, encouraged me, and was a constant source of positive energy. Her advocacy on my behalf was complete. There were too many interruptions to sleep overnight: she worked with the night nurse to create a plan that ensured medical needs were met with the fewest interruptions. I asked to speak with a chaplain: Darlene didn't rest until the chaplain saw me. A consult was placed and resolution stood in the way of discharge: she tracked down the surgeon to come and see me as quickly as he was able to. Delay in a complete diagnosis: again Darlene went to bat for me to get a preliminary report to help me understand exactly what type of cancer I am fighting. Darlene cares from her heart for her patients, in advocacy, caring, and compassion. She represents the very best of the nursing profession.
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I would like to thank my nurse Darlene who took care of me one entire weekend. She went out of her way to make me comfortable and check on me frequently. She took the time to sit and visit with me when I knew she was probably busy and had other patients. She listened to all of my stories of when I was a nurse.