January 2020
Steven
Wise
,
RN
Oncology
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
Bel Air
,
MD
United States
I visited the ER late Friday night. I had been in the infusion center earlier that day for my first dose of a new chemo regimen. I started to not feel well that evening. Fever, racing heart, palpitations, and a headache so painful I could not function. My oncologist sent me straight to the ER. I was extremely scared, as was my family. I was sick and feeling very sad. I was admitted to 2 west during the early morning hours of Saturday. The headache had begun to subside, but I was still not feeling well with a lot of questions. Apparently, I had a rare reaction to my chemo. My nurse that morning was Steve. I was still very terrified about the entire situation. Steve was kind, warm, patient, and compassionate towards me. He treated me like a person, not just another patient. I began to relax and feel at ease in his care. Because of my cancer, I've spent a lot of time in the hospital around a lot of nurses. I must say, Steve, is EXCEPTIONAL! He took time out of his busy day to explain things to me, make procedures less painful, and make conversation. He also has a great sense of humor. He would pop in just to see how I was doing and if I needed anything. When his shift was over he came to say goodbye and tell me he would be back on Sunday. I think I slept a little better knowing he would be my nurse again in the morning. Steve is very deserving of this recognition. He goes above and beyond for his patients!