I had chest pain for 2 days and went to Livingston, who transferred me here. I found out that I was having a heart attack and needed to have a procedure to see if I had any blockages in my heart. Next thing I know I was waking up with a tube down my throat. During previous other hospital stays, I have gotten used to feeling like a burden, seemingly asking for attention, and being an inconvenience to everyone who took care of me (once again, not here). I was terrified that I was going to be left alone with that tube down my throat and forgotten. It didn’t take me but a few minutes to realize that was not going to be the case here.

My nurse, Karen, was right there. She didn’t leave my side. She was assuring and comforting. I felt safe and knew it was going to be okay. She helped get the tube out of my throat and got me to sit up on my own. I have never felt so grateful in my life. My entire stay at this hospital has changed my expectations of how I was supposed to be treated as a patient. Everyone has treated me with kindness and respect. No one has made me feel like a burden or that I was being needy. I’m ready to squash anything negative anyone has to say about this hospital. I will never forget how terrified I was and Karen made me feel safe!