Mandasia Dillard, RN

I was on the surgical floor for a routine procedure to remove my gallbladder. I immediately connected with Mandasia because she had a refreshing sense of humor and a presence that made me feel safe to share everything. I knew she wouldn't judge and could help me. She was endlessly informative. Around 2 am, what started as a routine procedure escalated to level ten pain, and my stats were dropping quickly. From what I can remember, Mandasia relied solely on my blood pressure and recognized immediately that an emergency response was needed. She had everyone lined up and ready for action by the time I started to crash. Remarkably, she repeated everything I had told her over the course of a couple of days without looking at her notes. She directed the team and did what was best for me, advocating for me when others thought it was just surgical pain. I was rushed into the OR for a second emergency procedure due to major blood loss. I truly believe that I am alive because Mandasia recognized the signs before they became serious, ensuring that my team was with me when things started to deteriorate. I didn't get to see her again after the OR because I was moved to the ICU, but I am incredibly grateful for her. I will never forget the presence she brought to the room during one of the scariest moments of my life.