I come from a family of people who have heart-related issues. When I was admitted to the hospital, I had my daughter with me. After she left for the night I was alone. I felt alone, with all sorts of scary thoughts running through my mind. I have never had to stay overnight in a hospital. That, in itself, was a bit scary. When Heather came into the room to introduce herself as my nurse for the evening, she could have just done her job and asked her questions and gone on to her other patients, as I have seen done by many in all my years of visiting people in the hospital. But noticing that I was probably a little scared, I think Heather took an interest in how I was feeling. Not the normal stuff like if I needed a blanket or my vitals or "can I get you something"...but she literally held my hand and told me everything was going to be okay. Everybody says stuff like that, but when the person hearing it really believes it, or really feels it from the person saying it, it makes all the difference in the world.
My dad passed away about four years ago. He spent quite a bit of time in Hamot before he died. He had a few nurses like Heather that I still remember four years later. That is the kind of impact these kinds of nurses have on people. Stuff like that sticks with you! I give credit to ALL nurses! It's gotta be one of the toughest jobs out there, getting caught up in all the emotions, high or low, and all the stress that comes with it. Heather is not only a great nurse, but she is also a very caring individual, and that matters a lot to this patient! People need caring people in their lives. I'm lucky enough to have a very caring family and girlfriend, but I needed the support and encouragement that Heather gave me for those few days I was there. I am very grateful! Thank you very much, Heather Hetrick!