I have chronic pain. I went into the ER with a really bad flair-up. I am used to getting quite the side eye due to how much I have been to the ER. However, this visit was totally different, Tricia was my nurse that morning, and she was absolutely amazing. She walked in and said, “man! You have been through it, and I think I have had you before! What’s up?!” And she immediately made me smile. Tricia spoke with me while giving me my medication and took the time to talk to me about my illness and care.

I knew I had an upcoming test that was going to be very uncomfortable, and I knew it stood a very high chance of triggering my PTSD. I told Tricia about this, and asked if she could stay with me, talk with me and possibly hold my hand. She said, “absolutely!” She went to the doctor and talked through with me what was about to happen. Tricia sat with me, held my hand, spoke incredibly gently, and repeated that I was safe. Then, I stated to myself, “I’m safe”.

I have battled C-PTSD from childhood sexual assault. I knew I was starting to have an attack, and she continued to be so incredibly gentle with me. I was able to overcome a PTSD attack for the first time. I started to cry because I was incredibly proud, and Tricia was also cheering me on, telling me how proud she was of me, how I am so strong, and she gave me a massive hug while I cried tears of joy while on the phone with my husband. She came back a few minutes later with fidgets to help me with my busy hands and said, “we have reason to celebrate!” And we did.

If not for Tricia being there for me, using gentle words, and treating me so human, I would not have been able to tackle that PTSD attack. I have never been able to fight one off, and I firmly believe Tricia made the difference. She is absolutely the best nurse I have ever had. Tricia had such an impact on me that I now hold my head higher because I beat a PTSD attack, and I had a seasoned nurse next to me telling me how proud she was that I made it through to the other side.

If I could talk to Tricia one more time, I would let her know that the impact she made on me has been massive. She reminded me I am a human, my medical needs are not to be dismissed, and to advocate fiercely for myself. Because of her kind and gentle words, I have since been able to overcome a handful of PTSD attacks without causing myself harm (I tend to slam my head into things), come out the other side with deep breaths, cool, calm, and collected, reminding myself “Susie you are safe, you should be proud, this is a big event and you are overcoming it look at you go!” All words Tricia used.

HCMC had an absolute gem of a nurse and human, I hope everyone gets to be under the care of Tricia and they get to experience humanity in healthcare, not just a number to get back and get out. Tricia is going to continue to break glass ceilings. It was an honor to be cared for by her and have her by my side during an event I never thought I would get to be at, on the other side of a nasty mental illness being in total control. Tricia, thank you. You are one of a kind, and I hope every single day you are brought the same joy you bring others.