Recently, I was admitted to the Regency for a scheduled surgery that would require an overnight stay. My night nurse was Kathleen Hooper, RN, and the CNA was Joyce Butler. As was expected, a catheter was inserted. Unfortunately, it ended up having a kink in it, and even after some adjustments, it still malfunctioned. Literally EVERY HOUR from 8pm to 6am, I was on the call light for Kathy or Joyce to come in and mechanically empty my bladder. One never knows how temporarily devastating it can be to have no control over basic bodily functions until you lose them. I found out later that Kathy even had two babies and their mothers that night. Both Kathy and Joyce never once complained, never rolled their eyes, never hurried, or gave me the impression that I had disturbed them or made me feel like I was a hindrance to their nightly routine. In fact, they came in smiling and assured me that I was not bothering them at all. I could not have asked for a better team. Also, a big thank you goes to the HUC, Gail Pacer, who answered my call light immediately and sent the nurse or CNA in to help me.

I realize that these women were simply doing their jobs, but to a patient it means everything. As a nurse here myself, on a busy floor, I know how needy some patients can be, and I tried very hard not to be one of them. I truly believe that Kathy is a true follower of Jean Watson's Theory of Nursing. She showed me extraordinary compassion and caring, she showed a commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, she was sensitive to my needs, and she instilled my faith and trust in her that she would be "authentically present" to even my most basic needs.