Sara Polansky, RN

I was last admitted to a hospital in 1977 for the birth of my son. I am fortunate to have been blessed with good health over the years and have not required hospitalization in the nearly 50 years since his birth.

Understandably, having a diagnosis that required surgical intervention (TAVR) was life-altering. I knew that medicine and procedures had advanced, but I did not have any line of sight to shed light on what I should expect. Additionally, I am highly independent and do not ask others for help. So being in a situation in which I had no control and really no experience was highly stressful and frightening.

Sara was the nurse assigned to my care when I arrived on the 2nd floor post-op. One of the first lasting sensations upon arriving on the 2nd floor was pain in my neck, which I learned was a wire that was sticking out of my neck. Sara explained to me calmly that she understood it was uncomfortable but necessary given my medical state. Sara explained clearly that the wire was called a "pacing wire" and it was in place to control my heart rate if needed. Sara patiently explained that the placement and discomfort would be temporary but that it was absolutely critical not to dislodge the wire.

Coming out of surgery and hearing that there was a wire sticking out of my neck connected to my heart was unnerving, to say the least. Sara's calm and reassuring demeanor helped me to relax and to trust those responsible for my care and recovery.

At one point that first day, I explained to Sara that I had a headache and that it may be because I was not allowed to have coffee that morning (I have had headaches in the past from lack of caffeine, so I suspected the same). Sara was so kind. She brought in two cups of coffee (decaf) for myself and my spouse. And sure enough, the headache went away.

While the coffee was important to me, it was more important to me that Sara listened. She did not try to medicate the pain away, nor did she ignore my insights into myself. I've heard too many stories from friends who found themselves hospitalized and somehow lost their personhood. I never felt like I was just "the patient," I was still a person with a voice and could contribute to my own care, though limited.

Throughout her shift, Sara came in to provide care. She was consistently thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, and empathetic. She talked to me and distracted me from my discomfort and fear. She addressed each concern and complaint I had with patience and understanding, and even with humor, which was so appreciated. Those small bits of levity lifted my spirits and relieved my anxiety.

She even made sure my spouse knew that it was fine to spend the night there to provide me with emotional support, knowing how important a support system is to recovery. Sara also kept me informed about what I could expect next - whether it was a shift change, additional testing, or mealtime. With this information, I was not surprised by who was coming into the room or why they were there.

Knowing that I was completely bedridden and could do very little for myself, I cannot adequately express how helpful it was to be a part of the process, rather than being a subject of the process. Whatever was happening was happening for my benefit, rather than just things happening to me.

On the second day, I was able to have the pacing wire removed. Another team removed the wire, and Sara came in afterward to follow up. Sara observed that the bandage was saturated and required re-dressing. Sara was decisive and quick to act in a way that was reassuring rather than alarming. I felt completely confident in Sara's professional competence. Whatever was happening with my wound, I knew Sara could address.

In closing, I cannot thank Sara enough and am grateful she was my nurse during my brief stay. Though people come into our lives for a little while, their impact is tremendous, and I will not forget her."