After arriving by ambulance at the ED, I first met Marisela and she immediately put me at ease with her calm and supportive demeanor. Throughout my stay in the ED, while receiving diagnostic treatment and pain medicine, she always put my comfort and well-being as a priority and even planned for my needs when I went home. She was thinking ahead and helpful information about the closing time at the medical equipment store, I would not have managed to get inside my home.

I was able to call my family and have them run to the store and get the wheelchair and other equipment that helped me get into the house. I was not able to stand on my own. Without that wheelchair, I don’t know how I would have gotten into the house. My family was grateful to her. Her care did not end with the ED treatment room. She was concerned about my well-being at home, too. She even thought about sending me home with a sandwich so I could have food in my system before I picked up my pain medications on the way home. This way, I wouldn’t have to delay taking pain meds. Her thoughtful, caring ways shone through. She put me more at ease during this traumatic experience. She has exemplified my idea of a nurse’s compassionate and holistic care.