My surgery was scheduled for part of my Lymph node to be removed. After arrival to checking in with my wife, Nurse Johnson called my name to come back. She actually pronounced my last name wrong but we were able to laugh and joke it off as my last name has been called many different names in the past. I was a wreck, my wife was a wreck, my mother was a wreck due to the possibility that I may have cancer. I cried the entire time, I had this gut feeling my life was about to change. During the waiting period before surgery, Nurse Johnson displayed the best bedside manner I had ever seen from a nurse. Her calming influence and her patience with me and my wife went above and beyond her calling. I often describe Nurse Johnson as my "First Angel". Nurse Johnson prayed so heavily with me and my wife, we are Christians so we welcomed her prayer with us. She allowed us to cry on her shoulder, I sobbed so heavily to the point of no control. A simple prayer and her calm and comforting influence assured my wife and me that we would make it through the surgery. She assured us we were in good hands with the doctor doing the operation and his team.
After Surgery was complete, Nurse Johnson was one of the first if not the first nurse I remember seeing. She once again provided excellent if not the best bedside manner. Before being discharged, I told Nurse Johnson I would keep her updated on my situation. I thanked her tirelessly for providing the best nursing care I had ever received at Centra or any other hospital for that matter.
The very next afternoon, we received the news no one ever wants to hear, "Mr. W, you have cancer. You have Hodgkins Lymphoma". Our world was completely turned upside down. I immediately went back to Centra/LGH where Nurse Johnson was working. I was able to explain the news to her. I wanted to let her know how much she meant to me and my wife during our visit. With the bad news we had received, I knew the Lord blessed us by placing Nurse Johnson there for a reason. That is why I say Nurse Johnson is my "First Angel". I know politics and Religion often do not mix in the work setting, heck I know it is frowned upon at my place of employment. However, I am confident if the care and the power of prayer were not granted to Nurse Johnson to provide to me and my wife, I am not so sure my surgery and stay would have been a positive experience.
Nurses, especially Nurse Johnson, deserve to be recognized with more than a "Thank You". Nurse Johnson will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am 43 years old. I have been married for 21 years and I have two daughters. I know I speak for all of us in my family when we say Thank You to Nurse Johnson. She is a true DAISY Nurse.