I’m a 25-year-old girl with severe anxiety surrounding hospitals/especially emergency care. This year, one of my worst nightmares came true: I was told by urgent care that I had to go to the hospital for severe stomach pain with high tachycardia and fever. My boyfriend was out of town, as were my parents. I live in another state and was watching my mom’s dogs. I don’t know anybody here, and I had to go to the hospital by myself. I was terrified. I had never been to Kootenai before.

Also, let’s add the cherry on top: my phone was dying, and I didn’t have a charger with me, so I could only turn my phone on for quick updates to family. I was taken to a room shortly before shift change and was seen by a nurse. My anxiety built and built, and I was crying and panicking, and my heart rate was skyrocketing to the 150s. The sweetest saintly nurse, Eryn, walked into my room at 7:30 and introduced herself. She was the kindest soul. I broke down crying to her about how scared I was, and she stood next to my bedside, reassured me, and answered all my questions. She never rushed me or made me feel like I was interrupting her work etc. I know it was slammed, but Eryn never made me sense that from her. For the 5+ hours I was there, Eryn continually offered me calming support and reassurance. She listened and validated my feelings and took excellent care of me along the way. I will never forget Eryn!