I had been in the hospital for 5 days (with stays in the ER, on the 5th floor, and on the 7th floor). I had received several days of high-dose steroids and multiple MRI and CT scans as doctors confirmed my diagnosis.

When I arrived at the ARU the admission involved lots of people and “moving parts”. Kelly came on as my night nurse that night. She brought with her a cheerful voice. When I was embarrassed about messing the bed, she didn’t just say not to worry about it but told me that it wasn’t a problem and she didn’t mind at all. She said she liked spending time with me.

I was very anxious due to the steroids. She was calm as she explained everything that she would do just before she did it. I knew exactly what to expect. Later that night, when I needed to call her, Kelly was compassionate and responsive.

I heard Kelly’s voice at the nurses’ station the other night and was truly jealous that she was taking care of other people and that I wouldn’t get to work with her (have her as my nurse). I honestly felt a bit sad. When I rolled through the hallway in my wheelchair, she did greet me by name as she was off to love on another patient on the ARU.

Overall she is genuine, caring, responsive, knowledgeable, and thorough. Most of all, she makes a personal connection by getting to know her patient and shares a bit of who she is as well.