I first met Charlotte as she prepped me for my Heart Cath procedure at another hospital. She was very cheery and informative as to what I was to expect. Where she went above and beyond was after the procedure. It wasn't entirely successful and sensing my disappointment, she sat with me, calmed me, and comforted me like we had known each other for years. She made a trying time a little bit better with her genuine compassionate care. Two weeks later at MCR I was being prepared for the same procedure again and was, as you might expect, nervous having had two previous failed attempts. When she saw me she said, "I know you!" To think that I was remembered by a nurse who, no doubt sees scores of patients, astounded me. I felt like I wasn't alone, even though I was dropped off by a neighbor and "doing this solo". I felt cared for and safe. Charlotte gave me what I can only call the care you would get from a family member; cheerful, uplifting, and encouraging.
The procedure was successful, but not easy. It took about three hours when I'm told normally it only takes about 45 minutes. I woke up to Charlotte. I was a bit fuzzy with all of the staff buzzing about checking on me. They were all great, but I remember the next day Charlotte came to my room and visited to see how I was doing! As far as I knew, I wasn't her patient at the time. She just wanted to check in on me and "say hello". She was also there when I was discharged, smiling and giving me a hug goodbye! Some might say this is her job, but I don't think so. She was displaying what, in my faith tradition, would be called a ministry. This was a hard time for me. I've never been in a hospital before, never had a procedure before. At 70 years old, I have been very fortunate. I'm glad that my experience was successful, but I'm equally glad that Charlotte was part of it! Thank you!