I had surgery in the morning, having a full shoulder replacement for the second time in a year and a half. Besides having to deal with that stress, I also lost my husband a year and a half ago as well. Not having him by my side this time was almost more excruciating than the shoulder pain. As soon as I was brought into my room on the 7th floor, JaniLee Abar immediately asked me what I needed. My requests were as few as ginger ale, an extra pillow, plugging in my charger for my phone, and getting a couple of items out of my bag. She did all this for me with compassion, kind words, and an air of generosity that I don't know how to describe. I know Jan had a full plate tending to other patients and responsibilities, but she truly made me feel like I was the only person she needed to care for. After a few hours of being in my room, my pain became almost intolerable, and she immediately tended to me with the most comforting tone, holding my hand, telling me to try and relax, meanwhile fixing my pillows, and so on.
I began to get a little emotional because I was thinking of my husband, and I ended up telling her about him. She took the time to pull up a chair beside my bed and held my hand as I shared my story. She listened like a best friend. Because I was crying, I asked her for a cool rag, and she said she didn't want me to use the provided rags because they would be too rough on my face. So she ran a body wipe under cold water and gave that to me. When I needed to go to the restroom, she paid extra careful attention, making sure I was stable on my feet, escorting me to the bathroom and back, and staying right outside the door, making sure I was safe. When Jan told me that her shift was over at 7:00 p.m., I cried a little bit because I did not want her to leave. She introduced me to the nurse taking over the next shift and assured me that I would be in good hands, and I certainly was.
Last but not least, her sense of humor was delightful and just what I needed to make me feel as comfortable as possible like I had connected with an old friend. Jan Abar should receive recognition because she truly has every quality and so much more that a nurse should possess in caring for patients. I am confident that other patients under her care must feel the same way.