My stay at El Camino Hospital was made so much better by Gracelyn Savella-Dye, my day nurse. Just the week before, I had experienced my first heart attack and needed to return to the ER due to not being able to breathe.

When I was transferred from the emergency room to 3B, I was assigned to Gracelyn. She greeted me with a warm welcome and provided me with an overview of who would be caring for me.

I was only supposed to stay for a couple of days to recover from the medications I was given. The morning I was to be released, I had similar sensations that I felt when I had my heart attack.

Gracelyn made it a practice to ask how my evening was and if I slept well. My nature is not to bother others with my aches and pains, but Gracelyn created a comfortable space for me to share that I was really concerned about how I was feeling.

I was able to articulate how I was feeling which made it easier to explain when the doctor made rounds. After discussing with my doctor, it was determined I needed a procedure to investigate how my heart was doing, and if the previous stent that was placed in my heart was still functioning properly.

Gracelyn shined at this moment by calling for help and coordinating those who arrived to ensure I had the care I needed. Her professionalism and easy-going style made it easy for everyone to come together and work as a stellar team. Gracelyn is a gem, and I feel grateful she was assigned to my care.

Lastly, I want to say when it came to shift changes, Gracelyn, and the night nurse both made a point of coming to let me know there was a shift change and to ensure there was a smooth hand off.