My three hour surgery became a four hour surgery. I do not remember the recovery. I do remember the nurses on the 7th floor. Elizabeth Denning, RN, was my nurse for the night shift. She was also in charge of the entire floor. The compassion and professionalism with which she cared for me enabled me to let go of the fear I had inside of me and trust her with my care. Between her and the CNA, Casey, someone was in my room hourly checking on me.

Every time she entered the room she had a smile on her face. She always asked if there was anything she could do to make me more comfortable, and when I had a request, she delivered it. Every single time she entered my room, she washed her hands, which fostered a sense of trust between us, because I knew immediately that she had my best interest at heart. She scanned my armband without even thinking of it each time she gave medications. I know there are short cuts staff can take, and I didn’t reveal to her my fears because I didn’t want her to be nervous. But her professionalism and concern for my best interest was so obvious for me to see, I knew right away that I was going to be safe.

She communicated the physician’s orders and phone conversations to me so that I was aware of everything that was being done to me. She also communicated with the CNA and me, making sure I was getting out of the bed with assistance, walking and exercising as soon as possible, and making sure my personal needs were addressed.

Elizabeth delivers personalized, compassionate, and professional nursing care that I know Mission Hospital considers excellent. She is the type of nurse most nurses strive to be: she is conscientious, smart, kind, compassionate, and professional. I hope she is a preceptor for new nurses and nursing students, she delivers what patients want and need to feel safe and cared for.