I had never been hospitalized before and wasn't sure what to expect. I had a nurse named Riley who showed me the meaning of being a nurse. With much care and compassion, she took care of me. I really felt that she cared about me and my needs. I was a fall risk, and she explained what we needed to do in order to use the bathroom or walk down the hall. We made small talk and I felt that she cared about me. For Riley, I felt like it was more than just a job, that she was a very good person who was here to help her fellow man with whatever they needed. She showed me what a nurse should be like. It's not just a job! It is treating people the way they want to be treated. I had never stayed in a hospital before and I was uncomfortable. Riley was able to recognize this and quickly put me at ease. She made sure I had help when I needed it. She was able to answer all my questions. I have never felt such compassion from a stranger before. I soon became fully at ease with her and knew she was here to help me. You have to have a huge heart to set peoples' minds at ease. I felt she did this in the most professional, respectful way. I could tell she had a heart of gold and that it was a passion, not just a job that she has to do. In my opinion, this is how it should be! When it becomes just a job, you become distracted and make patients feel like just a number. Riley rose above this, and to me, she is being the best kind of nurse you can be. And for that, I wanted to thank her from the bottom of my heart!