During the month of November, I experienced my first in-patient stay at Loyola and had a pretty extensive procedure in the OR. Following waking up after my 7-hour procedure, Simona was the first nurse by my side. Having surgery is such an emotional rollercoaster of events and being on the other side of the nursing world as a patient was a crazy experience. The shock of my procedure and new incision (which was pretty big!) was overwhelming to me. Simona did not stop at anything to comfort me and talk me through such a huge change that was happening in my life. I felt like she was not just there to push medications and watch me, but to talk to me and be an emotional support to me following my surgery. I was with Simona for such a short time before they brought me to my room, but she was unforgettable and made an incredible impression. I was in an unimaginable amount of pain and she made sure that upon going up to my room I would not be in any pain, and was covered. I remember specifically, despite the anesthesia and pain meds, talking to Simona about her family and nursing life and simple conversation put me at ease.
Those five days I spent at Loyola post-surgery was a crazy time for me but I will not forget the wonderful care that I got in the PACU. It was my first impression coming out of the operating room, and it was a wonderful one. I cannot say better things about this wonderful nurse!