Susan Schenck, RN

I am an RN in the VA ER. I caught Covid in January and like many RNs I was worn out, angry, sad, overwhelmed. My nurse at the infusion clinic came alongside me in the kindest, most joyful way. She honored my RN experience while treating me like a patient. She nurtured me, she entertained me, she encouraged me. She was so tuned in, that by the end of my stay, I felt seen, heard, and healed. I am sure it is not a surprise that Covid is taking an emotional toll on the front-line RNs. While I think the antibodies helped me heal physically, I am certain that Susan touched me emotionally. RNs like Susan are special. She intuited my needs, honored me as an RN and as a patient. She joined me on a journey and shared a common journey and a common understanding of the times. She honored my sadness without judgement, and reached out to lift me up. Her joy, energy, kindness, and humor helped me immensely.