I was recently at Lancaster General Hospital for an extended stay due to serious pain. I had the pleasure of having Sonya as my nurse over several of those days. Sonya’s care and dedication showed through from the minute I met her. She took an interest in not only my physical well-being but my mental state as well. She even expressed interest in my family. She took the time to talk to me and I never felt rushed when she was with me.
Going through pancreatic cancer for over 6 years can take its toll on anyone, and she definitely tuned in to the fact that being in the hospital was difficult for me. She spent time listening to me and offering sound advice. She shared personal stories which helped me get through each day that I was in her care. The doctors were contemplating a procedure which I didn’t end up having, but her experience with the same procedure really helped me over the days that it was being contemplated. Just having that personal connection made my stay so much easier.
When a nurse reaches out to a patient on a personal level, it makes all the difference in the world. I cannot thank her enough for all the support she provided me. She took the time to check in on me even when it wasn’t her scheduled time to be with me. It was never just a time to give my meds, but a time to check on my well-being both physically, mentally and spiritually. Her personality and sense of humor just shone through as she did her job. Just a pat on the back from her meant the world to me. She cares!
I could not have asked for a better nurse to help me through those days. Any patient who has the opportunity to meet her will surely do better because of her.