I am a student intern from Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. It is about 18 minutes away from Baystate Wing in Palmer. I was super nervous for my time in the ED because it is much faster-paced than Med/Surg. I was shadowing a couple of people; they were awesome, but I was lost and confused about what was going on.

I shadowed Heather for one day, and I loved it. She explained every single last thing to me, which I really appreciated. She took the time with her busy patient load. Every day that Heather was working, she took me under her wing, and I got to shadow her. I loved it. I learned so much with everyone else, but I learned and took a lot out when I was shadowing her. The way she is so respectful to all patients, treats and talks to them the same, she never sounds annoyed or frustrated, always calm. I remember a kid came into the ER, they weren’t feeling well, and the kid was waiting for a while to be seen by the provider. Heather was the biggest advocate for that kid; she got them all comfortable and was kind, which is what the parents really needed in that moment.

I think the same day, they called a stroke code. The patient was very resistant and not cooperating. She got down to the patient’s level and talked to them very kindly, and explained that everyone was there to help her and that they needed to work quickly. The patient was very understanding and let the RNs, doctors, and ED techs work to keep them safe. I would really like Heather to be considered for this award because she is such an awesome, inspirational nurse.

Heather is the type of nurse I will strive to be because she is smart, kind, and her patient care is on another level. Heather would be the perfect recipient for this award! Thank you for your consideration.