I am a 71-year-old female. I have many medical and physical problems. I am also the survivor of a murder attempt 30 years ago. As a result, I have been at UNM Hospital many times. 

I came in on Valentine's Day. A special day to meet a very special person, Stephanie. I had gone to dialysis, blood samples are always drawn. It gives us levels of many things that can be life-threatening. One such item is your potassium level.

Potassium is important to all of the muscles in your body. It keeps them functioning – stitching back and forth or beating – each muscle performing in its special way. That includes the most important muscle of all, your heart. Unfortunately, too much potassium can cause a heart attack or heart failure. 

My potassium was quite high. Several points above normal. Stephanie was there for me. For two days she has watched over me. She has watched my levels, and administered treatments. But above and beyond that she took her time to help me out of a very bad situation. 

I occasionally have panic attacks. It is usually when I feel under extreme pressure or confined. After being in front of her desk in the ER for two days, I was feeling panicked. I started to have a hard time breathing. Although I needed treatment, all I wanted to do was leave.  Stephanie to the rescue. She took her time to take me outside for some fresh air. She stayed with me, talking calmly to me. It was extremely cold outside and she had no jacket. Once she had me completely calmed – no more panic attack- we came back in. 

I really appreciate a special nurse that took the time to heal all the aspects of my problems.

Here’s to Stephanie!