Liam Hammond was one of the first night-shift nurses I had in the CVT, and due to my lengthy stay, was also on staff several nights at the end of my stay, including the night before I was discharged. All the nurses were great, but this nurse in particular was always Johnny-on-the-spot early on. Liam was always friendly and took the time to get to know me better with every interaction.

Thanks to the relationship he had built with me, Liam gave me what I needed most during the second night shift, going above and beyond for me. I had open heart surgery and a difficult recovery with an extended stay in the ICU. As I was recovering in the CVT, I was faced with a dilemma; my surgeon was out of town for a few days, but during that time it was recommended by my care team to have yet another surgical procedure done to install a permanent pacemaker.

I was hesitant, mainly because I wanted to talk to my surgeon, and my newly repaired heart had not even had a chance to react to the first surgery. At no point did I ever say "no" to the procedure; I only asked if we could wait a few days over the weekend to see how my heart was managing on its own.

My new cardiologist, whom I had only met once, reluctantly understood, as he was concerned for my well-being, as was the rest of my team, but he was great, already making preparations for alternative treatment if I ultimately decided not to get the pacemaker. But quite honestly, I felt pressured by some other members of the care team to perform the procedure, and while I understand their motivations were not purely selfish, I believe decisions of this magnitude should never feel pressured. This is where Liam stepped up to help me with one of the biggest decisions of my life.

Quite frankly, I was scared facing yet another life-altering surgery and struggling to make a final decision. During Liam’s rounds, he took the time to listen to me, talk things through, and fully understood both sides of the issue. Most importantly, he made me feel like I was not crazy, which was incredibly comforting and reassuring. I am a person who likes to do things thoroughly, and the time that he spent with me was the absolute best thing anyone could have done for me.

Liam’s knowledge and understanding, as well as his ability to help me consider all the possible outcomes, were exactly what I needed. Talking things out helped me take a "wait and see" approach that I felt totally comfortable with. As it turns out, my heart did good the first night, perfect the second, but unfortunately had a setback to the third, and that is all I was waiting for.

That setback convinced me immediately that going with the pacemaker was the right choice, and I had the procedure done 2 days later. During the interim, I had a chance to talk to my surgeon who confirmed what my choice for the brief delay was under stable, and even warranted as sometimes the heart is able to heal on its own after the surgical procedure I had, and that I did no damage by the brief delay.

Without my nurse, had I felt pressured into the procedure, I would have always questioned my decision, and it would have probably nagged me for the rest of my life. Instead, because Liam took that time with me, I was able to see for myself and know, without a doubt, that I was making the best choice for my future health and well-being. Decisions confirmed by my surgeon.

When a nurse is so knowledgeable that they are able to echo a surgeon without talking to them and is able to give that knowledge in such a caring manner, along with being excellent in all of their other duties, that to me is the epitome of what a great nurse is.