D underwent a double lung transplant and was transferred to the CTICU after her surgery. I watched for approximately 5 hours while the post-surgery team kept a close eye on my wife’s condition, coming in and out of consciousness. Nurse Meagan looked like a new nurse but seemed focused and went straight to work. She greeted me and advised me she was going to review the notes and she’d come back to answer any questions and provide updates on my wife’s condition. Meagan provided me updates on the progression of D’s condition and she would speak to my wife as well, even though D was intubated. Meagan kept us well informed, invited me to the daily meetups with the medical staff to discuss D’s condition and progress; and found ways to communicate with D and keep her calm. Meagan assured that D’s goals for the day were clear and helped her meet them. She was patient, compassionate, and cheerful. Meagan made sure every tiny scratch, pinch, or puncture was tended, treated, and healed. She checked in on D, assured she was clean, her linens and coverings changed often, and kept everything in order. Meagan’s professional, compassionate, and cheerful character motivated my wife to do better every day and she looked forward to meeting what goals Meagan had set. I never felt uneasy leaving D for a few hours to go clean up and get something to eat, knowing that Meagan was watching over her. 

I grew up in a hospital environment because my own mother was in and out of hospitals with various ailments. In all my time, I’ve never seen a group of nurses provide such tender care for anyone. The UCH nurse’s skill sets are extensive, and their professionalism and compassion for patients are beyond those I’ve ever witnessed. I am so grateful to know that beautiful people like you exist and the calling for the RN profession still exists in the world today. 

“Thank you” doesn’t seem to cover all that they did, but we’re extremely grateful for having nurses like you in the world. Thank you, for who you are; all you do, and we are forever grateful for your service.