I came in late in the day, close to the last patient, scared and unsure about a possible diagnosis. I was overwhelmed and emotional, but this nurse didn’t rush me or make me feel like a burden, even though she was probably exhausted after a long shift. She sat with me, looked me in the eyes, and talked to me like a real person. She comforted me in a moment when I needed it most and gently gave me the information I needed to feel more at ease. When she placed her hand on my leg, it wasn’t unprovoked or out of place—it was a natural, grounding gesture that helped me catch my breath. I’ve learned about therapeutic communication in school, but she truly has it mastered. I left that room feeling lighter and more at peace.