Heroism is often portrayed as our soldiers overseas, fire fighters rushing into buildings or men/women in capes…but heroes also come in all shapes and sizes; The Random House dictionary defines a hero as a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. While nursing might not be the most apparent and obvious profession of heroism, its qualities often define a hero; nurses are their patient’s heroes!

I’ve been a staff member at Maimonides for 20 years…but this past September, I became a patient. I know our nurses are excellent, both clinically and exhibit extraordinary compassion, but to experience it first hand brought a new reality and sense of true understanding that I didn’t have before.

After having surgery, I was brought to Gellman 8 West to recover. To be honest, I was very scared, but was blessed to have Ruthie Sharf at my bedside. I knew I was in capable hands….she is clinically sharp, yet oozes compassion which definitely eased the fear.

I know Ruthie for a long time, but never experienced her as a nurse. I’ve worked with her on committees and projects, but to cross the bridge from co-worker to patient was very unique. I had a million questions and concerns….she answered them all without frustration, without making me feel stupid and most importantly, without making me feel ashamed for being afraid. I’d say…”I shouldn’t feel this way” and “I should know better, so I have to stop being so afraid”….I apologized over and over to her, but she continually responded with a gentle touch and the words…“don’t worry, it’s normal…and you are fine”. Those words carried such weight and truly diffused the anxiety and fears I had. Honestly, Ruthie treated me…the “whole” person, the human being and not just the patient.

I felt more at ease with each step of the post-op hours, knowing she was there to offer the clinical and emotional support I needed to help me through. My family members, who were there with me, loved her positive attitude and willingness to explain things to them as well; she exhibited such patience.

While you’re body is healing from any surgery, of course you want the person with extreme knowledge and understanding, the clinical excellence that Maimonides’ nurses are known for, but when that clinical excellence is paired with compassion and understanding…..it’s a beautiful marriage.

Ruthie Sharf is a model of health intervention that significantly addresses the physical, mental and emotional aspects of her patients. She doesn’t need to go oversees, run into a burning building or wear a cape….but she definitely impacted my life in that short time she cared for me….and that day, she was my hero!