September 2023
Heidi
Eklund
,
BSN, RN-BC
8C-Transplant Unit
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
By just sitting and listening to me and sharing her experiences as well, I really felt seen and heard for the first time in a very long time.
She is a truly amazing nurse and person. I have an autoimmune disease and also struggle with anxiety. When I was first hospitalized at St Luke’s, she took time and sat down and just talked with me. She suggested I join some support groups on Facebook for AIH, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I was also able to share with her today that my disability has been approved, and I know she is genuinely happy for me. It’s hard having an autoimmune disease because it’s very hard to explain what I’m going through and talk about it. I know she understands and I hope she realizes how much she truly has helped me. By just sitting and listening to me and sharing her experiences as well, I really felt seen and heard for the first time in a very long time. Even when I feel my lousiest and down, she has been able to sit and talk to me, and I end up laughing. She’s just an amazing nurse, and I feel very grateful to have met her. I know she really is in my corner. I was so happy to have her again as a nurse for this visit.