My clinical training and experience as an RN have been in ER, ICU, and CCU. I have been a nursing supervisor, so I have had a lot of experience with nurses since 1978. When I first met Sharon, I was impressed with how she carried herself. Her confidence was showing, but it was mixed with humility - just enough. As she moved about my room, it was evident that she knew her responsibilities and had developed the skills to perform them. She did so without attitude, but with an apparently genuine desire to do her best. Her smile, eye contact, and gentle but firm voice made me feel I was in the hands of a confident and competent nurse. I needed that because I was facing one of the biggest battles of my life.
I had suffered 3 falls in 3 days the last of which was a tumble down a staircase to the bottom. I have always been very healthy and active. I found myself in a severely dependent condition without explanation or reason. It was not long before I was diagnosed with Gillon Barre. I had no reflex in my legs and soon decreased function on my arms. I was devastated. Sharon got me out of the bed, bathed me, washing my back and legs vigorously as we talked and laughed together, sometimes making fun of my dependence after being so active. You have to laugh or cry - she helped me laugh. I watched her closely as she cleaned up the mess we had made and prepared to go on to her next patient. I told her she is like a Marine - she knows what she has to do, gets it done and moves on. (I come from a military family.)
I later told the nurse leader they need to clone Sharon quick. We need more nurses like her. It is obvious she loves what she does, so she really is not working - she is enjoying what she does. I have been blessed to have her care for me at a time when I needed what she could provide. Not every RN is so good to be able to care for another RN. You are the best, Sharon.