rachel locantore, BSN, RN, MSRN

I have been a nurse for 28 years. Recently, I found myself at Methodist's (where I work) ER being told: "you are having a heart attack." After hours of great work by Methodist's ER, I was transferred to Jefferson's Cardiac ICU on the 4th floor. Being a nurse makes being a patient very difficult. I was scared, truly scared. I was emotional, just kept crying wondering about so many things. Had I worked my last shift the day before? Would I not be around for my 19-year-old daughter anymore? Would my mother be burying her daughter? Horrible thoughts that you just can't stop thinking about. I was placed in Rachel's care upon arriving at the ICU. She was compassionate and caring to me. It showed in her eyes. I could see her concern for me when she would see me crying and it meant so much to me for her care and concern. She assured me that I had not worked my last shift. Although she had so much to do and so many IVs to hang, she never forgot about me sitting there. She always spoke to me, and although I didn't use the call bell, she always checked on me. She reassured me and answered any questions I had. She was there for me and treated me with respect, not only for being a fellow RN but a patient and most important still, a scared human being.
I could not imagine trying to get through those first few hours without you, Rachel. I could only hope that I was the angel to a patient in 28 years like you were to me that day. Jefferson is very lucky to have you but the luckiest one was me. I could not have wished for a better person to help me. You are a great role model for anyone who comes in contact with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I will never forget you!