I am a 59-year-old female patient that had cervical fusion surgery. If you've ever had invasive surgery, you know that waking up in recovery is no picnic. You are disoriented, in pain, and generally feeling like you've been run over by an 18-wheeler! I was lucky enough to have Ms. Rebecca Spencer as my nurse. The first thing I remember is her very sweet, kind, and upbeat voice talking to me as I was coming around. She called me by my name and assured me that the surgery was over and that I was doing great. She asked me if I was in pain. She asked if I would like some ice chips. I cannot really explain it, but her presence was very soothing to me. Her tone of voice was so gentle, comforting, and upbeat. She said the surgeon had talked to my husband and he knows that everything went well.

I needed to urinate pretty urgently while in recovery and Rebecca helped me with a bedpan, which I had never used. She reassured me that everything in my body has been asleep, so I may not be able to urinate. Thankfully, I did relieve myself (a lot!) and of course, Rebecca kept reassuring me matter-of-factly that that was wonderful I could do that right out of surgery. I realize the things I'm mentioning here are just her "job." The WAY in which she did her "job" reveals that she has a heart of gold and truly cares for her patients. Her communication with me, the tone, was so genuine, compassionate, extraordinary, and comforting to me. I just felt that all was fine because of her at my bedside. Best recovery wake-up experience ever!