In October of 2021, I came into the ER for a severe GI bleed and was admitted for a little over a week. During my stay, I received multiple blood transfusions, was transferred to the ICU, had surgery, and then was able to be moved out of the ICU to recover before being discharged. This ordeal was one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced. Although I was not fully aware of everything throughout my entire stay, I know that the care I received from all the doctors, nurses, and staff was amazing. I am forever grateful to all of them as I truly feel they saved my life.

Even though everyone provided great care for me, one nurse really stood out. I don’t really know how to best describe it in words, but through this incredibly scary time, I don’t know what I would have done without Jenny. She held my hand, would put a cold cloth on my head, and would reassure me that she was there and that I was in the right place to be taken care of. At the time I was truly so scared of dying and she made me feel safe and comforted. She reassured me that the doctors were working on my situation. When I would feel panicked or as though my body was failing me through the blood loss I was experiencing, she would hold my hand and talk to me until I could regain some composure or be calm enough to rest again. She shared a little with me about her family and let me talk about mine and listened when I cried that I just wanted to make it home to them. I felt no judgement or annoyance as I’m sure she was very busy, but she exuded kindness and so much compassion.

When I think of what being a nurse really means to me, it is defined not only in the medical attention provided but in the true caring about each patient. I believe that Jenny has a wonderful heart to care for people in their most trying times. I don’t even know how many days or shifts Jenny was my nurse, but I am so grateful she was there for me, and I will never forget her.