Shelby and Heather were my nurses while I was here. They worked as a team to make my stay here as easy as possible. Together, they went above and beyond what could reasonably be expected of them, and they both deserve to be honored for the high level of care they provided.
First, let me say that having a brain tumor was the single most difficult experience of my life. It is complicated to express in words the absolute terror and trauma this diagnosis has caused. The surgery was the big looming thing hanging over my head, like a dark shadow haunting my life for the past few months. The care I have received by all of the nurses, doctors, and staff here at OHSU has far exceeded my greatest expectations. Every step of the process was full of smiling faces who genuinely care about my well-being. This was especially obvious in Shelby and Heather. They took the time to talk with me, to get to know me, to know the names of my pets and loved ones, and even to know a little about my hopes and dreams. Their reassurances and smiling faces went beyond the pain management goal written on the board. They took care of my mind and soul, so I could focus on letting my body heal. I thought long and hard on how best to thank them for the exceptional service they provided. The truth is that the best thing I could do for them it to make whoever is reading this aware that you have in your employment two exceptional women who deserve recognition. I am sitting here, comfortable, after just having brain surgery because of the two wonderful women who have taken the time to make sure that I am okay. And I am okay because they have gone above and beyond to show that they care. While I hope to never have to return here, if I did, I would hope to find more nurses like Heather and Shelby to befriend along the way.
Heather took the time to understand my situation and to make me feel safe, welcome and cared for during my stay. She saw the way I clung to the little stuffed dog a family member brought, and she made a point to ask about it. She let me talk about the dog, whom I have never spent a night away from, and she listened while I expressed concern about being away from him. She looked at every picture I showed with genuine interest. These little things mattered more to me than any pain medication. Having someone listen and show concern made this stay bearable. Thank-you, Heather, for being here and for making me feel less alone.