October 2022
Twana
Lewis
,
MSN, RN
3 North
Mary Washington Hospital
Fredericksburg
,
VA
United States
I was overtired, facing the unknown, and in comes a masked nurse with a cheery voice and willingness to check on meds and quickly return to help me.
I came in via the ER and after five hours went to a room. This began my sleepless night with many interruptions. The next day, my cardio care nurse was Twana. I was overtired, facing the unknown, and in comes a masked nurse with a cheery voice and willingness to check on meds and quickly return to help me. We discussed old time TV shows like Gunsmoke and Good Times while she worked. What did this do? What I needed was someone to cut my anxiety—Twana did this. I may have looked like an independent old lady, and yes, I am capable. But it is nice for another human to share your time as you worry about your condition and upcoming test results. Here comes Twana to the room at 7:30 pm, and I asked, “What are you still doing here?” She said she wanted to complete taking care of her patients before leaving. And I was happy to again have her today. I nominate Twana for recognition for her extended kindness and knowledge well above “just getting the minimum done” in a job. Nursing is hard, repetitive work. MWH is lucky Twana stays as one of your valuable nurses.