After 2 years of recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy, I found myself scheduled for another surgery, a hysterectomy. I made the arrangements for a Friday surgery, desperately hoping for an outpatient procedure.

It was during my postoperative recovery, eyes tightly shut, that I first met Linda. Her voice reassured me that all went well and as expected. For the next few miserable hours, she helped me through bathroom trips, bouts of nausea (bringing me 7-Up and holding back my hair), and even applied Chapstick, as if she could read my mind.

The moment came when I had to decide whether I checked into the hospital or went home. Linda once again reassured me that I was recovering well, and if I chose to, I would do fine at home. She easily could have admitted me and gotten home much sooner, but she didn’t. She explained to us in detail why she believed I would be able to recover just as well at home and put any fears to rest. This was just the support my husband and I needed to make our decision, and I know I slept much better in my bed that night. It was late, but Linda stayed with me to get me discharged. She thoroughly went over all the orders and answered every question. Linda is the most considerate, kind, empathetic and competent nurse I have ever had and I have had seven major surgeries.

Linda is outstanding. She clearly cares for her patients and works hard to be good at her job, not worrying about doing the minimum, but striving for what’s necessary and best for the patient, which often translates into more work and time for her. Linda is an exceptional nurse.