Virginia 'Ginny' Klein was my nurse during my most recent surgery. Ginny came to my room, introduced herself, and said she would be my nurse throughout my procedure in the operating room. She was very cheerful and upbeat from the start, which is always wonderful when you're heading off to surgery. When she let my visitors know it was time to head off, instead of her telling them to 'say their goodbyes,' she told them to say 'see ya laters.' In all my life, I hadn't heard anyone say that, but it made it so much easier to leave a loved one just by simply switching a few words. 

When the anesthesia doctors began administering oxygen via the large mask, Ginny was at my side. She put her hand out, and I grabbed right on and held her hand until I went to sleep. Knowing she was there next to me and holding her hand was very comforting. That may have been my 18th surgery, but she made it the best it could be.

Before I left, I inquired about her name from other staff. I needed to know who this special woman was who loves her job so much that she goes the extra mile for her patients. I am very grateful to her. She deserves to be recognized for her outstanding work and the extra thought and time she gives to her patients. She made my surgery day so much better, and I can't thank her enough for her gestures of kindness as well as her professionalism.