I would love to recognize Vandana due to her amazing care, compassion, support, and being the biggest comfort to me in what has been a really tough three weeks so far. You meet people in your life who will forever hold a special place in your heart and make a lifelong impact.  I will forever be grateful to Vandana. She has shown me that she has the patient's interests at the forefront of her mind always.  

I am medically complex and will always advocate for myself and my care. Vandana has supported my need for discussion and explanation, giving me time to have a voice, as we know nurses are busy and rushed off their feet, but to always feel like I am the only person in the world that matters in that moment, to Vandana, I will be forever grateful.  I am always met with a smile and a caring approach. I feel seen and heard, and not just as a disabled, medically complex wheelchair user. As a disabled person, we are seen for the difficulties but not the person that we actually are. 

Vandana has always treated me with the utmost respect and has also listened and been an advocate for my care. I will always show my appreciation to nurses who have gone that little bit further, and I know that Vandana will always be my comfort. I can say this inpatient stay I have gone through some distressing times and I’ve found it so difficult to be here, but with Vandana she has settled my anxieties which is tough as a neurodiverse lady all I ask for is what Vandana continuously shows me.

To me, for Vandana to have this recognition will not only make her feel appreciated, but it will also help heal my heart and show her that I am forever eternally grateful for not only an exceptional nurse but a wonderful lady too.  Nurses like this deserve the world.