Hats off to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale fourth-floor nursing staff. In particular, I would like to share a very special, empathetic moment with my nurse, Sarah Brown. After having driven myself to the emergency room at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale late the previous night, I was admitted to the hospital and taken to the fourth-floor room very early the next morning. I was fraught with a lack of sleep and frightened that my body was in trouble. I felt terribly alone and vulnerable. I had no family or children by my side, moments before being taken to surgery. Frightened, I was looking out the window experiencing a tearful, "fragile moment" when Sarah walked in. Intuitive and perceptive to my feelings, Sarah immediately sat next to me on the bed and took my hand in both of hers. With the power of a touch, eye contact, and a gentle smile she connected with me saying, "You are not alone! I am here for you." Using gentle hands and compassionate words that provided strength and support, Sarah assured me that all would be well.
As a professional, I recognize the ease of being sucked into a negative, toxic work environment. Despite the high stress of a demanding profession, Sarah Brown is a positive role model demonstrating exceptional professionalism, humor (WAIT...! You are putting that bag of fluid UP WHERE???), compassion, and kindness to patients and coworkers. Sarah Brown recognizes and supports the positive, professional working culture cultivated by fourth-floor nursing leadership at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Working together, they provide a positive, nurturing, healing environment, for which I am grateful. Thank you, Sarah Brown, for being by my side.