Teri Zaharko
May 2021
Teri
Zaharko
,
LPN
Neurobehavioral Inpatient
Providence St. Patrick Hospital
Missoula
,
MT
United States
Because of nurses like Teri, I feel as if my journey is more validated and less scary than I thought it was.
When I was first admitted into the hospital this time, Teri recognized me right away. At first, it made me feel strange. Then she smiled and said, "I'm so glad you are here." For the next several days she was my nurse, watching over me, caring for me, making me laugh, making me feel safe and wanted. She was open to hearing about absolutely anything including a letter that I wrote to my brother who had passed. I had never done something like that before so she could tell it was emotional and scary.
Instead of simply listening, which would have been enough for me, she shared, cried, and sat with me until she was sure I could carry on with writing. The time she took to be personal and emotional with me (while also remaining completely professional) meant absolutely everything to me. When I left the hospital the first time, she said, "Come back if you ever need a tune-up!” It was the most normalizing and kind thing to say to someone about to embark on their first mental health journey. Of course, I ended back up here again and again someday! But it no longer discourages me, makes me feel weak, or like I can't handle real life. Because of nurses like Teri, I feel as if my journey is more validated and less scary than I thought it was. I will never be able to express my gratitude for that. So I will just send this letter in the hope that it expresses even a fraction for Teri.
Instead of simply listening, which would have been enough for me, she shared, cried, and sat with me until she was sure I could carry on with writing. The time she took to be personal and emotional with me (while also remaining completely professional) meant absolutely everything to me. When I left the hospital the first time, she said, "Come back if you ever need a tune-up!” It was the most normalizing and kind thing to say to someone about to embark on their first mental health journey. Of course, I ended back up here again and again someday! But it no longer discourages me, makes me feel weak, or like I can't handle real life. Because of nurses like Teri, I feel as if my journey is more validated and less scary than I thought it was. I will never be able to express my gratitude for that. So I will just send this letter in the hope that it expresses even a fraction for Teri.