I was a patient in this unit for over a week. Elizabeth was one of the nurses during my stay and is an Extraordinary Nurse. Good nurses are smart and efficient. What makes her an Extraordinary Nurse is her professionalism, kindness, and care. Ms. Benitez knew before I did what I needed and made sure she was able to provide whatever it was, all the while never compromising my dignity. When I was down, she brought me up, when I was lonely, she was there to spend time with me. I didn't have to tell her, she knew from her experience as a nurse and the kindness of who she is. When I saw her name on the board as my nurse, I could only smile.
During my stay, I was given antibiotics which caused yet another infection. Ms. Benitez used her expertise to reduce my discomfort in an innovative way I had never imagined. (I don't want to be vague, but it is very personal). Ms. Benitez always respected me, never talked down to me, and always supplied me with the best nursing I have ever received.
I was an individual with individual needs in her eyes. I am a coffee-first-thing in the morning person. While in her care, I would wake up each morning between 5:00 and 6:00 am. One morning I mentioned that it was hard for me to wait almost 2 hours for food service to bring me my coffee. From that time on, there would be a cup of coffee on my tray somewhere around the time she was doing her morning rounds. That may not sound like a lot, but on those mornings, it meant everything to me.
Thank you, Ms. Benitez. I will never forget you.
Thank you, Northwell Health, for giving me this opportunity to share my experience.