I was admitted into Holy Spirit with a severe staph infection which had affected many areas of my body, causing visible skin lesions and abscesses and left me septic and very ill. After many, sometimes painful, procedures, and days and days of being poked and prodded, and very high doses of antibiotics, we saw little improvement. I was becoming frustrated and discouraged. I admit that through all this I met several great staff members, but one -- my nurse, Lorena -- stood out like the brightest of stars among many. She is uniquely gifted and was from the minute we met.
Each word of frustration from me was met with kindness and patience from her. When I was in tears, she spoke quietly with sincere empathy. When I was afraid, she listened and found ways to help with my anxiety. When I asked for help, she always came to my aid. When I needed to be silent, she inherently knew and moved quietly and efficiently around me. When I needed to talk, she listened. When I needed to listen, she spoke. When I didn't understand, she took the time to explain.
Despite the embarrassing wounds and sores on my body, she never looked away with disdain. When I shared stories of some of the dark spots in my past, she never judged. When I cried about a recent trauma my daughter experienced, she listened intently and helped me to see past the immediate pain. And, when I felt like giving up, she encouraged me to keep on going.
And so I did...
Yes, Lorena is a talented nurse and her knowledge and skills are evident. But, to shine the way Lorena shines, there is so much more than book knowledge and job smarts. Lorena's character and heart make her far exceed the "normal" expectations. She goes above and beyond each and every time and not only is an asset to this hospital, but also a blessing to every patient whose lives she comes in contact with. Especially mine...