I suffered an accident at work that left my finger nearly detached. I was brought to Waterman ED, where I was quickly tended to. The team was attentive and thorough, and within minutes, I had an exam, X-ray, and a plan of care. Dr. D was pleasant, efficient, and communicative. My main nurse, Maria, was the real star. She never seemed rushed and listened to my questions. She was certain to explain in detail what she was doing. Her approach was gentle, calm, and more importantly, safe. When I had a reaction to morphine, she knew just what to do to help me feel better. ​
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Her demeanor helped muffle the chaos and anxiety I was feeling. She made me feel like I was her only patient and took the time to meticulously bandage my finger until it met her meticulous standards. I felt as if she were treating me as if she were treating her own brother. ​
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I am not a professional patient and have had limited experiences in the hospital. Yet I have never felt as cared for as I did during this visit. My finger is doing well so far, and there’s hope I will be able to avoid amputation. Please thank Maria for my care. It’s nurses like her who truly honor the profession. I wasn’t just a number; I was a person.