I had just gotten my gallbladder out and experienced extreme pain, and I entered the emergency department at CHI Hospital around 9 pm. Nick took his time to listen to me, told me he believed me that I was in pain and that it was not in my head. That was huge because I had convinced myself that it was all in my head.

There was a particular nurse I did not like, and after I expressed that I was uncomfortable around her, he took over, no questions asked, and became my nurse. He made small talk, and it helped take my mind off the pain I was in. He was very personal and listened to everything I had to say. He helped convince me to get admitted to the hospital since they could not control my pain. He took the time to personally bring me up to my room around 3 am, introduced me to my night nurses, and left.

Later that week I had to go back to the ER and when I found out he was working I requested him as my nurse. Same story, extremely nice and personal. I had gone in due to constant vomiting for a few hours. He held the puke bag as I threw up into it and rubbed my back to help comfort me. He offered me extra blankets when I got chilled and even took the time to lay them over me and tuck me in.

He personally cleaned my puke bucket from home and told me that because of how sick I was, I needed to be there and never to stop advocating for myself. Nick made me feel so comfortable and safe. He made me feel like it wasn’t in my head, and listened to me when I felt like not many health care professionals did.