matt snelling, RN, BSN

When we ask our daughter about her surgery stay, your name often comes up. You were her first night nurse after a surgery that left our young daughter with little to no independence and in a great deal of pain. As she searched for control, you were an even-keeled, straight forward nurse. You explained what she needed to do with confidence and allowed her to trust that you were providing her with helpful care. She found comfort in your ease of explanations and in your IV removal skills. You removed her IV without pain. Your band-aids were like gold and your signature on her brace held celebrity status.

You gave her the incentive spirometer which helped calm her breathing and her anxiety. You made her get out of bed to go to the bathroom which proved to her you were going to make her do the right things for her body. Our daughter begged the swat nurse to call you and convince you to come to work during a family trip. She sobbed when your band-aid was removed from her hand. She still has a look-alike band-aid in the package that occasionally she looks for as a reminder of the exceptional care you provided her with. We thank you for your care, for your willingness to listen to the silly requests of our daughter, and for being structured and diligent. Mostly, we thank you for leaving an impact on our child's life.