ilene szczembara, RN

Ilenewas so perceptive, understanding and sensitive, besides being completely professional and totally capable, that it is almost unfair to specify her. It is just that I was so needy at the moment and she was so immediately there for me that I must have you folks know it.
This is the night of my surgery. I have a condition of spinal stenosis which doesn't just deaden the nerves to my hands but sets them on fire if I sit or I am in the wrong position. Well, of course, that is what happened and as I woke and tried to adjust my head, my surgery leg went into spasms and I could not move to stop them. I began to pray quietly and sing hymns to myself. Pretty soon, I was uncontrollably sobbing and feeling helpless, so I pressed my nurse button.
Ilene arrived immediately and took it all in at once. She asked me if I was crying, which I admitted. She ordered and gave me a pain pill. She stood at the foot of my bed and just talked quiet peace and comforting words to me; like butterflies, soft breezes and so much more that is now lost to me.
She didn't leave until I was calm and as comfortable as possible. She did just what a nurse would do but with such a reassuring competence that I was able to actually relax. She was just great and gave such thorough "in touch with me" care that I need her to receive credit.