Every so often we have the opportunity to be cared for by an RN that epitomizes all that is good in nursing. I had that experience on day one when Amanda walked into my room introducing herself as my nurse for the day, (and the next 2 as well). It only took mere minutes before I knew I had hit the jackpot with the nursing assignments that day. Others asked to be cared for by a hilarious, energetic, caring, kind, and compassionate medal-winning Registered Nurse. Amanda would become my biggest cheerleader over the next three days. Eternally optimistic yet reserved when it came to cancer patients with METS. She was well aware that such patients do not come with the best survival rates. That's a reality that we live with.

As a patient with substantial METS throughout my body, I realize that this is not going to be a good outcome and Amanda knew that as well. But instead of worrying about something neither of us could change, we still didn't let that consume the conversation day by day. Nope, we instead talked about our dogs, the news of what is going on in the world with Ukraine, and just banter that touched on every and anything but the big C in the room. Amanda succeeded in taking a 59-year-old woman under her arm and showing her how much she still has to do or accomplish in this life. Her inspiration and positive attitude filled my room and more than likely the entire 16E Unit.

Nurses like Amanda are few and far between. She didn't just come in and pass meds, take vitals, and leave with that "...is there anything else I can do for you .." as she has one foot out the door. Nope, Amanda is the real deal. She is the nurse every patient can relate to. She is that nurse who almost had me changing my mind and going back from palliative status to active treatment that's how optimistic she is. Amanda's kindness to all is something legends are made of. Never passing up an opportunity to help someone whether he/she is that patient's nurse or not. Just a Godsend. I will be leaving NYU-Langone tomorrow and will never forget the care I received at the hands of many a nurse and doctor. But there's one nurse I will never forget, Amanda. Truly the most kind, caring, and compassionate nurse to ever arrive at my room.