As a newly diagnosed cancer patient, my emotions and those of my family were overwhelming, there was shock, fear, anxiety, and just a lot of unknowns. However, the minute Ruth walked into my room there was an aura of confidence and sincerity that brought me peace and calm in the midst of the storm. She made me feel as if I were her only patient. She went over and beyond to make sure I was comfortable, that she can limit my pain as much as possible and that her positive disposition radiated emotional healing. I felt like I had recovered a long-lost friend. She makes me feel important and significant by making a point of coming to my room to welcome me not a new day with joy, enthusiasm, and a great big smile. She had a way of keeping me from feeling down by not belittling my uncertainty. No request was too much or too little, and if it was, she never let me know it. She makes a point by keeping me posted on her schedule and I found strength and hope in her ability to show her genuine professionalism and in a newfound friendship. She was a lifeline, and all my confidence was in her.

Not only did Ruth do these things for me, but she was a rock for my wife and my son. She made sure they were comfortable and fed and she never left without taking the time to have one-on-one conversations with them about my status. She renewed my and my family’s faith in humanity. There cannot be a better representative of what a nursing staff member should be!