Kessa Johnson, RN

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care my son received during a recent visit to Cape Fear Valley Betsy Johnson Hospital. While traveling to Maryland, my son suffered a seizure on the highway near your facility. Thankfully, compassionate travelers stopped to assist us, and EMS transported him to your hospital for treatment. As a mother, I was understandably concerned about the severity of his condition. As a trauma nurse with nearly twenty years of experience, I was also viewing the situation through a professional lens.
Upon arriving in the Emergency Department, I had questions, concerns, and a great deal of anxiety regarding my son's condition. It was during this time that I had the privilege of meeting Nurse Kessa. From the moment she introduced herself, she demonstrated the qualities that define exceptional nursing care. She listened attentively, allowed me to express my concerns without interruption, and immediately made me feel that both my son and I mattered. As a fellow nurse, I quickly recognized that Nurse Kessa was knowledgeable, confident, and highly skilled. However, what impressed me most was her compassion. She understood that healthcare is not just about medications and procedures; it’s also about listening, communicating, and providing comfort during difficult moments.
Throughout our interaction, Nurse Kessa remained calm, professional, and attentive. She kept me informed, answered questions, and treated us with genuine kindness and respect. Her care extended beyond the bedside. Being unfamiliar with Dunn, North Carolina, and needing to locate a laundromat to wash soiled towels following my son's seizure, Nurse Kessa personally walked me outside and pointed me in the right direction. It was a small act of kindness that made a tremendous difference during an overwhelming day. Nurse Kessa is the kind of nurse every patient hopes to encounter during a medical crisis. She is an outstanding representative of your organization and an extraordinary asset to your Emergency Department.
I was also impressed by Dr. T. I must admit that when I first saw him confidently walking down the hallway toward my son's room, my first thought was that he looked more like a biker dude. To my surprise, he introduced himself with warmth and professionalism and immediately put me at ease. He took the time to explain A's treatment plan, answer my questions, and ensure we understood the next steps. His calm demeanor and willingness to communicate provided reassurance during a very stressful situation.
Experiences like this remind us what healthcare should be. Both Nurse Kessa and Dr. T exemplified excellence in patient care and left a lasting impression on my son and me. I hope this letter serves as recognition of the exceptional service they provided and the positive impact they had during one of our most difficult moments. Thank you for fostering a culture of compassionate and patient-centered care. Please extend my deepest appreciation to Nurse Kessa and Dr. T for their outstanding service.