I underwent an autologous stem cell transplant at Tulane Medical Center, and though all of the nurses in the transplant ward were excellent, one nurse, in particular, made my stay much easier. As one might expect, Molly's practical nursing skills were excellent. Her needle sticks were painless. Her attention to sterile practices and cleanliness was excellent. And her ability to perform procedures like PICC line removals were spot on.
However, what makes Molly stand out is her empathy for her patients. Despite having numerous patients, she remembered details about my life, and days later would ask about my son, my work, and any other details I might have mentioned casually. While a hospital stay can make a person feel just another body to be treated, Molly's attention to the person—their circumstance, their personality, their humor, and concerns—made me feel like a person instead of another statistic on a sheet of paper. The skills that make RN's stand out are not ones that can be taught. They come out naturally because of her dedication to her job and to her patients.