From the time I walked in, I was treated very kindly and due to my level of pain, with a great deal of tenderness. There were 2 nurses who helped me in the emergency room. Between the two of them, they gently catheterized me and they both seemed surprised that I had retained urine when I came back into the hospital. From that point onward, Mindy was with me the entire time I was in the emergency department. Her care was incredible, holding my hand, listening, comforting me when I was literally so touched by her kindness
Because of my level of pain and some of some of my lab and CT scan results, there was a very real fear of peritonitis and a massive infection, a somewhat serious state. Mindy was almost always with me checking on me, managing my pain and just being comforting until I was taken upstairs. (I also know she was closely monitoring my condition). I will freely admit that her care touched me so much, I cried more than once from the pure relief at being treated so well and so kindly. When it came time to move me upstairs she held my hand, continued to check on my level of pain, watch my condition, listen and really worked to reassure me. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for her being there - and always will be.
I don't think I have ever truly felt as cared for, respected, valued and safe in a hospital. What she may quickly call "part of her job" can literally be transformative in the lives of patients. I think these are some of the core qualities of truly amazing nurses who help patients every day and probably don't get thanked enough.