January 2020
Mary
Swain
,
RN
University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital
Bel Air
,
MD
United States
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Mary for the care she provided after my total knee replacement surgery. Mary turned a horrific and extremely painful experience into a caring and thoughtful stay. She consistently checked in on me to see how I was feeling and asked if I needed anything to include a pillow, blanket, bed adjustment (to help alleviate pain), water, and assistance to the restroom. She took the time to sit and talk with me to lessen my distress as a good friend would in a time of need. She was an excellent listener and extremely comforting by explaining that the pain I felt was normal. She ALWAYS set expectations of when she would be back to check in on me, and when her shift was ending. Mary took the time to come back to say goodbye 20 minutes after her shift ended. Her words to me were "I'd never forget to keep my promise to check back in on you before I leave". I hope Harford Community Hospital in Havre de Grace appreciates her always and knows what a gem they have in her!