During my stay at Virtua Memorial Hospital I was under the care of an amazing nurse, Diane Jennings. The place was very busy and she had her hands full with routine care of her many patients. She took the time to explain the medications that she was giving, their purpose, and how they related to the medications that I was already taking. During my stay she was constantly going the extra mile. For example, when putting in an IV, she took the time to get a smaller needle since she did not have one in her kit.

Diane's professionalism, kindness and caring make her an awesome nurse, but she went beyond this. She recognized my anxiety regarding my upcoming discharge, and took the time to inform me of the many options available to me. It would have been simpler to hand me a pamphlet and let it go at that. Instead she thoroughly explained this. What is even more amazing is that she did this on her own time. (I later found out that her shift had ended, yet she took the time to help me).

Physical aspects of care are important and make a great nurse, but recognizing and dealing with the patient as a whole person makes a great nurse better. A nurse who willingly gives her own time is extraordinary.