Irene Yu, RN

I was on the Coronary Ward in the V.A. hospital in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, being treated for atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. During this period, I was treated by numerous doctors and nurses. Each one made me feel confident that I was in good hands and receiving the best treatment. One nurse, Ms. Irene Yu, provided more than the rest. This is not about Ms. Yu's nursing skills, as every nurse I encountered has been more than capable. It was Ms. Yu's empathy that went beyond mere treatment. She related to her patients on a human, personal level. This made one feel like a human being, rather than just another illness to be treated. Too often, medical staff are blind to the patient and focus only on their symptoms. Ms. Yu made me feel that she cared about me in a personal, concerned fashion. I felt like a person. Ms. Yu applied her nursing skills with respect and humanity. This reduced my anxiety and allayed my apprehension. The healing I received from Ms. Yu was enhanced beyond the performance of her nursing obligations. A patient could not ask for more