In a sea of chaos, working a long shift, Nikki chose to smile. seemingly so small, her smile was equivalent to apricity (The feeling of warmth from the sun on a cold winter's day), a breath of fresh air, when everyone around is stressed, unsure and lacking confidence. Nikki chose to put on a smile and grin her way through the day/evening determined to make others feel better about themselves, even if she didn't feel that way. She could have easily dismissed our concerns, questions and transferred uneasy/stressful feelings to us, but she didn't. Nikki confidently and kindly answered any and all questions while making my grandmother feel confident in the care she would be expecting to receive. Little did she know, her smile set the tone for what would become of 5 rooms and 1 unit transfer. Nikki was hands down the best! We happened to have her when the ED was chaos. I can only imagine how amazing she is when the ED is easier going. Also, she kept an eye out for my grandmother every time she was moved. Hire more nurses like her and Sentara Leigh would be full of nurses, doctors, and caregivers of joy, and apricity, among many things. I made sure to tell her how much she was appreciated what a great job she was doing and that I realize how she must feel on the inside. She nearly teared up, hugged me and told me how my simple comment made her entire day. Needless to say, on a difficult day, she had already shared and spread her contagious smile and attitude.
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Nikki made a painful, embarrassing event I came to the ER for more bearable and she made me feel so relaxed and at ease. She definitely is the definition of an Extraordinary Nurse!! She was comforting caring, hilariously funny (which she could tell I needed at that moment), she was kind, gentle. Nikki made me feel as if she was caring for one of her own family members. I truly appreciate her to the point style. She is a wonderful person, very knowledgeable and so considerate. She advocated for me so I could get the fastest, best care and results for the emergency I was being treated for. I want to thank her so much for everything she did for me! I'm glad she stayed in Virginia and didn't move back to Boston! I also told her she looked like Lucille Ball. Hopefully, she remembers the girl who was full of poop!