June 2026 Honoree
Francesca Romano, BSN, RN
The hospital is always very scary for me. I was in a full-on anxiety attack, and I was in so many tears that I could hardly breathe. Francesca Romano came in to check on me.
After seeing the distress I was in, she came to my bedside, put her hand on mine, and stayed with me to listen to what I was upset about and comfort me. She was already my nurse the previous evening and had developed a rapport with me, so I instantly felt safe and comfortable being able to talk about my complicated and partially still undiagnosed conditions. She made me feel heard and understood in a time when I was terrified.
Everything about getting diagnosed was a nightmare up to this point, and so far this visit was no different. Until a kind, caring professional stepped up and went so many extra miles for me. She talked me down from a severe anxiety/panic attack that was so bad I started to have trouble breathing, and I was sweating. And let me tell you, I almost always have to be medicated to come out of a downward spiral like that, but she did it with just her words and kindness. Because Francesca was a genuine and caring person, I was able to get through one of my less-than-stellar hospital visits. And let me tell you, I've spent a lot of time in hospitals. I didn't feel judged or belittled. I felt cared for and had hope.
After seeing the distress I was in, she came to my bedside, put her hand on mine, and stayed with me to listen to what I was upset about and comfort me. She was already my nurse the previous evening and had developed a rapport with me, so I instantly felt safe and comfortable being able to talk about my complicated and partially still undiagnosed conditions. She made me feel heard and understood in a time when I was terrified.
Everything about getting diagnosed was a nightmare up to this point, and so far this visit was no different. Until a kind, caring professional stepped up and went so many extra miles for me. She talked me down from a severe anxiety/panic attack that was so bad I started to have trouble breathing, and I was sweating. And let me tell you, I almost always have to be medicated to come out of a downward spiral like that, but she did it with just her words and kindness. Because Francesca was a genuine and caring person, I was able to get through one of my less-than-stellar hospital visits. And let me tell you, I've spent a lot of time in hospitals. I didn't feel judged or belittled. I felt cared for and had hope.
Thank you, Francesca, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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