I have a complex medical history that, coupled with my PTSD, makes me tremble with fear at the possibility of any hospital admission. I was in BSW for an emergency Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. I was terrified and prepared to cancel the appointment, but I complied with my doctor's orders. I checked in at the desk and started to breathe rapidly and could feel my heart trying to jump out of my chest. I am sure the procedure would be canceled if things remained that way.  

Then something happened. The RN, Wendy, came in and introduced herself. Her demeanor was so professional and comforting that I started calming down immediately. Soon, Wendy had me engaged in conversation in a way that she obtained from me everything that she needed to prepare me for the procedure. Wendy did my vitals, explaining what was happening every step of the way. She had even gone so far as to write the doctor's name on a whiteboard along with the date and her name, which is very helpful when so much information is flowing, and you forget names quickly.  

It came time to start an IV, never a fun thing, and again Wendy explained what was happening. The conversation distracted me to the point that I was unaware that the IV had been started until she told me it was in and flowing perfectly. Wendy not only seemed to be an outstanding nurse but a caring person. I was made to feel safe and repeatedly reminded that nobody would direct my actions and that I was not just the name on the schedule but a key member of my care team and a big part of the decision process. Wendy stayed by my side and was there when I awoke. I felt that Wendy cared about me, and I did not feel like a patient; I felt like family.  

This nomination falls short of what she deserves. She is the face of BSW when your patients come into BSW, and it is nurses like Wendy that lay the foundation for how we feel as patients, which determines how we as patients will communicate to the community how we are cared for at BSW. Wendy sets a standard that other nurses should endeavor to match. I need to learn how this process works. I wonder if you pat her on the back, buy her lunch, give her an award, put a pin on her ID, or put her face on a poster. Again, I do not know how this works, but I do know how life works. No matter how talented the administrative staff or doctors are, the nurse is the first person I encounter and the last contact I have when leaving. You need to make every effort to let Wendy know that she is valued and that her actions establish how open-minded a patient is to receiving care at BSW. You need to take every possible measure to keep her at BSW to recruit many more like her. In conclusion, thank you, Wendy, for comforting an old lady who was scared to death. Wendy can be my nurse anytime.