My father was hospitalized in VICU for over four weeks and faced many scary setbacks. Luckily, I had never experienced nor been a witness to the ICU environment nor a critical medical situation. I was particularly awed by Rebecca's extreme gentleness, consideration, knowledge, and professionalism. During my father's most critical days, he was fortunate enough to have Rebecca assigned as his nurse. I observed how gentle she was in caring for him, how she consulted with the doctors about his care, how she studied his chart, how she so often gave him an encouraging pat on the arm and held his hand for a few minutes. She also recognized my lack of understanding and how scared I was.
Rebecca saw me crying one night and pulled me aside. She was genuinely concerned and took a few minutes to really listen to me and gave me encouragement and support. One particular night, I was very upset with one of my father's medical setbacks. Rebecca was working but was not assigned to my father. She was busy with the nurse she was relieving while getting updates on her patients for the night. I didn't even know that she had seen me in my dad's room. I left very upset and frightened. About an hour later, my phone rang.
When I saw the hospital's number on the screen, my heart sank. It was Rebecca. She said that she had seen me and known I was upset. She did not have time to talk to me before I left but she wanted me to know that my dad was OK. Just hearing those words and knowing that she was in the Unit that night reassured me and enabled me to sleep so I could be at the hospital for my dad the next day.
These "small" actions may not seem heroic on a grand scale but they were to me. I will never forget Rebecca. She will be the standard I will hold every nurse to for the rest of my life. I wish I could truly recognize her for her professionalism. This award is an excellent acknowledgement of an amazing nurse.