Leah Buffington
September 2017
Leah
Buffington
,
RN
Emergency Department
Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Wausau
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

I was a patient in the ER and the admissions, nursing, and radiology staff who took care of me were wonderful! I especially want to commend and thank Nurse Leah who was responsible for most of my care that night. She was gentle and compassionate, and she advocated for me with the doctor when my pain was not adequately controlled. I was in considerable pain, and Leah helped me stay calm. When pain medication did not work, Leah stayed by me and stroked my forehead to help me find a moment of peace. When I was discharged but could not sit in a wheelchair because of my pain, Leah walked me to the car arm-in-arm and made sure I would be comfortable for the long ride home. Even though I am a middle-aged lady, I appreciated this kind of tender compassion at a very difficult time when I was anxious, suffering and, frankly, wishing for my mother. Thank you, thank you, Leah, for accurately perceiving what kind of support and care I needed at the time. That night, I needed emotional support alongside medical care, and Leah recognized that need and met it with sincerity. My medical drama was finally resolved with surgery a couple of days later and I have since recovered and returned to normal life. I hope I can pass on to others the kindness shown to me by Leah.