I had never had surgery before or had to spend the night in the hospital. I was brought to tears in the emergency room when I found out that I would have to do both and that because of COVID-19 protocols, I would have to do it alone. I felt very alone and scared, that is until I met my amazing nurse Niomi. Niomi made sure that I was comfortable, not just by finding me all the extra pillows so I could finally lay on my back after surgery on my buttocks or by finding me a sandwich at midnight so I could take my medication after not eating for 27 hours but in her humanity. She showed genuine concern for my mental comfort and made me feel like everything would truly be ok.
Niomi was patient, kind, and compassionate. Niomi always took an extra minute doing my check-ins to make me laugh and make sure I had everything I needed. I was so relieved to find out that I would be with her both nights of my hospital stay because of how at ease she made me feel. Niomi is truly a remarkable person, her kind spirit and ability to connect with her patients is not something that you see every day. I had several great nurses during my stay at Wentworth-Douglas but the peace of mind and comfort that I experienced knowing I was in her care was far beyond my expectations of my stay. I am forever grateful to her and the compassion she showed me during what was one of the scariest times in my life.