My strong, resilient husband M could not breathe. He had been ill with a sinus infection; his immune system was compromised by yet-to-be-treated prostate cancer. Tracy was the triage nurse when we came in at 2. Because M couldn't breathe, out of precaution for COVID-19, he was placed in an isolation room. Tracy said she would keep me updated. My dear husband and I are best friends, and it was difficult to be separated.
Tracy is a true nurse and nursing is her calling. Her saucy, energetic approach to care continued to keep me stilled. For the next five hours during her shift, she continually updated me on M's test results. Here's the thing, this hospital has been like Grand Central Station. So very crazy, busy. And yet, (tearing up here) Tracy made every single patient she assisted through triage feel just as special and informed as she did me. She is a remarkable woman, and I told my sister, "She might just be a real angel."
This has been written at the end of Tracy's shift; the ER has slowed, and she should be dragging home, yet she's still helping everyone to feel cared for and unique. I've never seen Tracy in triage, or do I know her personally; of this I'm certain; she is unforgettable.