Raymee Zapanta
April 2025
Raymee
Zapanta
,
RN
Emergency Department
Atrium Health University City
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
I am very thankful for nurses like Raymee who take care of all of their patients with the same care and compassion they would a family member.
I was in the ER with severe back pain that had just started during the night. I was referred from urgent care with the concern that I might have a spinal infection. I am new to the area, hours away from any family or close friends, and have never had anything like this happen. I have an autoimmune disorder and have been told I am high risk, so this was very scary for me.
I am difficult to get an IV in, but she was excellent and was very calming throughout. She was the one who recognized that I have a high pain tolerance when she was attempting the IV, and I feel she was the one who got something ordered for pain. Raymee checked on me frequently, offering support and a friendly smile, even though the ER was extremely busy. She never made me feel like I was an extra burden to her. When my blood sugar started dropping, she was quick to bring me juice and graham crackers, again with a reassuring smile. I am so thankful for nurses like her, who obviously love their chosen job, care about people, and not solely for a paycheck.
My daughter recently moved to the area and has never had to navigate the health system alone. She has had several new diagnoses in the last three years. Yesterday, she had a sudden onset of severe lower back pain and was referred for a higher-level workup from a local urgent care facility. She was told there was a possibility of a spinal infection. She was scared, alone, and in tears from the pain. Raymee was the angel my daughter needed. She treated my daughter with compassion and concern, and she made her feel heard and cared about.
It took me over 3 hours to drive down to be with her, but my daughter told me Raymee was excellent, and she felt safe with her. That is a big deal for a mother who has been a working nurse for years, who knows too well how easy it is to forget about the less-than-critical people in a busy ER.
I am very thankful for nurses like Raymee who take care of all of their patients with the same care and compassion they would a family member. It was a pleasure meeting you, Raymee! You are the example of what all nurses should strive to be! Kudos, and keep up the excellent work!
I am difficult to get an IV in, but she was excellent and was very calming throughout. She was the one who recognized that I have a high pain tolerance when she was attempting the IV, and I feel she was the one who got something ordered for pain. Raymee checked on me frequently, offering support and a friendly smile, even though the ER was extremely busy. She never made me feel like I was an extra burden to her. When my blood sugar started dropping, she was quick to bring me juice and graham crackers, again with a reassuring smile. I am so thankful for nurses like her, who obviously love their chosen job, care about people, and not solely for a paycheck.
My daughter recently moved to the area and has never had to navigate the health system alone. She has had several new diagnoses in the last three years. Yesterday, she had a sudden onset of severe lower back pain and was referred for a higher-level workup from a local urgent care facility. She was told there was a possibility of a spinal infection. She was scared, alone, and in tears from the pain. Raymee was the angel my daughter needed. She treated my daughter with compassion and concern, and she made her feel heard and cared about.
It took me over 3 hours to drive down to be with her, but my daughter told me Raymee was excellent, and she felt safe with her. That is a big deal for a mother who has been a working nurse for years, who knows too well how easy it is to forget about the less-than-critical people in a busy ER.
I am very thankful for nurses like Raymee who take care of all of their patients with the same care and compassion they would a family member. It was a pleasure meeting you, Raymee! You are the example of what all nurses should strive to be! Kudos, and keep up the excellent work!