I came into Tatyana's loving care after having a laparoscopic hysterectomy that turned unexpectedly into an abdominal hysterectomy. 

When I first arrived on the unit in the afternoon, I was not fully aware of what had happened. My pain level was a 10. I was asked if I wanted pain medicine and what would I like to take. I asked, 'What are my options'? I was given 3 choices of medication. What I didn't know was that they were to work in conjunction with each other. This was all very confusing and frankly, frightening. My patient experience at this point left me feeling on my own and frightened.

Some time later my wonderful surgeon came by to check on me and explained everything from the surgery to the pain medication. Now, I had some understanding. It soon became time for my husband to leave, and I was extremely anxious about how I was going to be cared for. 

Tatyana, the resident Angel, came in and introduced herself as my night shift nurse. She immediately honed in on my pain level, all while also carefully relating to my emotional level. She listened and understood my feelings of vulnerability. In her kindness and caring demeanor, she gave me the gift of feeling valued and cared for. She took a few minutes to encourage me but also to let me know that she had my pain as a top priority. She told me that I didn't have to worry about it that she would be on it so I could rest. She always let me know what time she would be back with medication, and she was always early. My anxieties were gone, and I felt safe and secure enough to rest in her care. I thank God for providing Tatyana as my nurse that night. Please recognize her for outstanding care. She is the perfect nurse!