The is the day that I woke up, I was frightened beyond belief as I had no idea what was going on, why I was intubated, or even what day it was. I knew I was at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, but that was literally all I knew. Marissa and Hannah both were so compassionate. Even though I felt like an absolute wreck, they treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. I know I had to have been incredibly obnoxious that day as I recall asking via sign language and hand signals constantly when I could get the tube out of my throat.

Marissa had to have answered that question no less than five times for me because even though she gave me time frames, I was sure the clock was broken and wanted that tube out. She responded each time as if it was the first time I had asked the question. When I finally graduated down as far as that nasal cannula, I was trying to succeed on the nasal cannula, but it wasn't working. Marissa explained, with a genuine look of apology, that she thought I really needed to go back on BiPap. I know I was almost in tears when she said it, but she explained the why behind it and also explained how she was trying to keep me from going back on the vent. She acknowledged my disappointment, but really took the time to help me understand, which noting that I was still coming out of the drug haze, may have been even more complex than I remember.

I loved the way that both of them used the phrase "let me go find a friend" if I needed something that required two people. Other team members would not say that they needed a helper, but I loved the use of the term "friend" as it really spoke to the team focus that we strive for! Later in the day, Marissa said to me, "Something I've learned about you today is that you're ambitious." That was music to my ears and helped to give me just one more boost of energy to help boost myself in bed. It gave me hope that I was making forward progress and might actually make it through this terrifying ordeal.

Additionally, Marissa is a very impressive preceptor! Hannah asked very well thought, thorough questions and verified details before just taking actions she was unsure of, and Marissa always spoke to why or why not something should or shouldn't be done. She also reserved the right to change her mind and explain why something was an exception to the normal process. She never got frustrated or lost her patience with all the questions. She is exactly the right person to be a preceptor!