I'm deathly afraid of needles, always want to leave, ask over an over when the doctor will be here with news and my blood pressure cuff squeezes too tight. Basically, I'm afraid of hospitals. I had a small stroke and found out I have a tumor on my pituitary gland, so I've been terrified. On my second day, I told my husband and my nurse that I was going home, I couldn't sleep here and again was terrified. This wonderful woman sat down with me and asked if I needed a hug (I really did) she hugged me and then asked if I might like some aromatherapy. There is a group called "healing touch" that can do some of that with music and reiki type healing, I said yes. This helped so much and because of her compassion and gentle advice, I stayed. The doctors then found I had a very low hormone count and this particular hormone regulates blood pressure, fear, and a bunch of other things. I was able to get this hormone replaced. I had I not, my BP would have stayed really high and which would have led to a possible second stroke. Bottom line, her compassion probably saved my life. I won't forget it. She really needs to be recognized.
Note: This is Aniek's second DAISY Award!