Johanna Fitzpatrick, BSN, RN

When I decided to choose my surgical team and LIJ for my surgery, I was scared that I made the right decision because, being diagnosed with cancer, you’re left with a lot of unknowns. When I opened my eyes after surgery, I was overwhelmed with fear. My anxiety was something I’ve never felt before. Having a hysterectomy at a young age wasn’t something that was ideal; I was terrified.

I felt disoriented, anxious, and completely overwhelmed. I have gone under anesthesia before, but I woke up remembering that I was endlessly crying. I remember every time I opened my eyes and saw my nurse Johanna there, giving me tissues, giving me breathing exercises, just telling me I’m okay and that I’m going to be okay. No one will know what that felt like in my state of mind.

I’ve been battling cancer for the past 5 years. In that moment, I didn’t just need a nurse; I needed that nurse because she made me feel safe and seen. The way she seemed to know exactly what I needed before I could even ask meant more to me than I can ever put into words. She didn’t just calm me, but she gave me comfort. She turned my mindset from I can’t, to I will be able to keep going. That’s something very rare. I was very lucky to wake up to a very rare genuine soul, and I truly couldn’t be more thankful.