I understand this award is given to a nurse who shows extraordinary compassion and commitment to the care of her patients. My operation (a thoracic spinal fusion) isn’t the most serious condition compared to someone battling cancer or recovering from brain or heart surgery. However, to me, someone who’s never been to surgery – it was a big deal. After battling non-stop pain for four years, I came into my surgery starting in a very low place. I was tired, scared, sensitive, and feeling like nothing was in my control.

Also, I was convinced that I would never leave the hospital, as both my father and my aunt had died shortly after routine surgical procedures. I developed a few complications that made me increasingly uncomfortable, confirming my suspicion that I’d not be going home. After meeting Laura, I went from a terrible experience on day one to a much better experience in the following days. She single-handedly brought to my attention how important having a good nurse is and how together we, (along with the rest of the nursing staff and doctors) work for my wellness. She did more for me than my medicine in many ways. She saw me as a whole person and cared for both my mental and physical state.

She also wasn’t afraid to let my husband and I get to know her. She established a rapport that hadn’t happened and allowed me to trust that I was in good hands. She leaned into her nursing role, engaged me, and gave the therapeutic relationship her energy and spirit. You may think this is what most nurses do, but I don’t believe all nurses can – it takes a great act of unselfishness to share that much of yourself with another person. Laura’s proved worthy of this award in so many ways. She was a very competent problem solver, patient with my stubbornness, calm when I was scared, a great communicator, and courageous in her approach. She thought outside the box. By not making the status quo – good enough for a patient in distress, she figured out what to do on a number of levels, to ease my distress. Couple that with large doses of caring and compassion and she brought me back to a place where I could see recovery and hope in my future.

I believe one of the most important reflections of any organization is their front-line workers; the nurse is your ambassador. No one wants to be in the hospital but if they were, they’d be lucky to be in Laura’s care. I can honestly say their hospital stay will go far better with her, than without her. If I hadn’t come across Laura, I’m not sure how I’d feel about my North Memorial stay. I got through what I needed to – and made it to getting discharged! I only wish I could’ve taken Laura home with me!