I had Toni as my nurse after a procedure to remove my thymus and a lymph node with a biopsy. This was kind of a nerve-racking time considering my history of thyroid cancer; however, it really makes a difference when you have a nurse who understands. Toni shared with me about having breast cancer and how she remembers how terrible the waiting game is to find out the results. She not only shared but opened her heart up, and cared for me in a way that only someone who has been through something similar could. Toni also was called in this day, and it wasn't even her regular day to work. She read with me the operative report, listened, and let me know she was there to help me get through the pain and keep me updated. I am certain Toni, cares for all her patients the same.
It isn't only her soft, calming mother like voice and spirit that makes her a great nurse, but also the empathy and compassion that she takes with her wherever she goes. She was caring and made me feel like I had someone on this journey with me. She showed me that you can still make a way for every patient to feel loved, special, and cared for beyond the list of nursing tasks that are lined up to complete. Thank you, Toni, for your caring heart and taking nursing back to where it's supposed to be. I have nothing but praise for 2East during my stay. It's nurses like Toni that help make it that way.