I came into the Elmer Hospital emergency with severe difficulty breathing. An emergency department can seem very impersonal and daunting, especially when one is struggling with a health issue like taking a breath. Now, due to ongoing health issues I have had to go to the emergency room more times than most and the emergency staff is always efficient and pleasant enough but when one is anxious or scared that efficient manner can seem very impersonal.

Nurse Desiree was on duty and from the beginning, she had a way that made me feel like I was the only patient she had to attend to, which of course was not the case. But she went out of her way to explain everything that was being done and she did little extra things like making sure I had enough blankets, water, and even something to eat as I had not eaten that day. Now I know the ER nurses all do those little things, but it was her friendly and funny way of being available. She has a rare knack for making a stranger feel cared for. I feel like she was a friend and not just a nurse doing her duty. Her infectious good nature was so comforting. She was a ray of sunshine. I do hope she can be recognized with this lovely award.