I was scheduled for PTE surgery in the morning. I’ve struggled to breathe for over 20 years because of PE’s in my lungs, and this surgery was to be my chance at living a normal life again. Jalen Shorter is a traveling nurse and has been wonderfully helpful the last several days that I’ve been going through testing. He pops his head in the door 4-5 times an hour without fail, to ask if we need anything at all. He’s pleasant and professional all in one. I’m in a semi private room that was designed to be a private room. My bed and potty chair face a glass door in full view of staff and visitors. The divider curtains only provide privacy for the other patient, so Jalen hung a sheet over the door for privacy while he looked for another room to move me, where I’d have my own bathroom, tv, and thermostat. I’m at the mercy of the other patients’ choices at this point. Unfortunately, no rooms were available, but he tried so hard to make me more comfortable. Jalen was with the other patient when the Dr came in to tell me that surgery was canceled because I have severe heart failure and my clots are not easily accessible. I’m too high risk. The news took the wind right out of my sails. Jalen said he was sorry that I didn’t get the news I had hoped for. I just nodded my head.

Jalen returns shortly with meds, asks if we need anything and says he’ll check on us again when he gets back from lunch. 5 minutes later he comes back again with his lunch in hand and says he only has time for a quick bite, but did I mind if he ate lunch with me. I of course said no, I didn’t mind. He pulls up a chair and tells me he’ll likely get food poisoning because his lunch is already 4-5 days old. We both laughed, then just chatted for a bit. At that point I knew why he was really there. I was alone when I got the news that my surgery was canceled, and every nurse on the floor knew how excited I was to only have my hopes destroyed by this news.

Jalen saw another human being in emotional pain and took 10 minutes of his personal time to sit with me and make me smile. He’s an excellent nurse, but an even better human being, and I’m grateful he was put in my path. That type of selfless kindness is rare in such a busy world today, and this young man should be celebrated for going above and beyond. Thank you.