This nurse exemplifies compassion and humanity. I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer which sent me on a path that included fear and uncertainty. As a nurse myself, I thought that I had to be a pillar of strength and exude a persona that I knew everything that was going on (which I didn’t, oncology was not my nursing world).

On the day of my surgery, I needed to go to nuclear imaging for isotope injections in preparation for the breast surgery sentinel node biopsy. This experience was totally and completely new to me. This nurse was the nurse in nuclear that day. Immediately upon introducing herself (p.s. I already knew this nurse, but I was in a different role that day), I felt a sense of comfort and calm. This nurse did not assume that I knew what was going to happen. She was professional and knowledgeable about the procedure I was about to have. She took the time to calmly explain everything that was going to happen in great detail. She put me at ease. She held my hands as the physician performed the injection, and I tightly squeezed her hands right back. What I experienced was exactly what she said I would experience. I’m glad that I got to hold her hands. After the injection, the isotope had to be “rubbed in'' and she never wavered in her professionalism. She made the awkward situation relaxed and put me at ease.

While EVERY SINGLE NURSE and HEALTHCARE TEAM MEMBER at OUMC that was involved in my care and treatment was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, Compassionate, and Superb, I will never forget my experience with Maureen. I will never forget that day. I will never forget the look in her eyes - I saw genuine concern and compassion.