Joy Johnson
January 2021
Joy
Johnson
,
RN
Pre-Op
Carle Foundation

 

 

 

Nurse Joy is the kindest woman I've met in this hospital. I have pretty much always had depression and anxiety, however, shortly before my scheduled surgery, I was diagnosed with PTSD. It was the effects of my PTSD that had me fearing my upcoming surgery. The thought of someone placing a catheter while I was unconscious terrified me and sent me into multiple panic attacks. I decided to write my concerns on a note and hand it to the first female nurse I saw on my team and that was Joy. After reading my note she carefully placed it on the bed, took my hands in hers, and said, "I promise you are safe. I will be with you the entire time, no one is going to hurt you." Three days post-op I'm not sure Joy knows what she did for me at this moment, but her actions erased months of anxiety. I started surgery with a clear and calm mind. Thank you so much Joy for making me feel safe!