I was admitted for a week for feet and leg paresthesia of unknown etiology. All of the nurses were great, but Lindsey mastered being both caregiver and consultant. She would inform without ever overstepping, and she would give insight without ever imposing her opinions or improperly influencing. It made me feel like I had a friend and trusted resource there, IF I asked. It made me feel less helpless and better prepared for what was coming. She has an amazing aptitude for both kindness and candor that garners trust and allows the patient to keep her dignity and feel safe. She knew how important it was for me NOT to feel like a helpless patient, and she never treated me like one. Her attitude was always positive and friendly.

Most importantly, she treated me with respect and understood that I wanted to be informed and educate myself about what was being done or going to be done. Rather than making me wait in agony for hours before the neuro talked to me, she gave me enough information for me to do some homework so I knew what to ask my neuro. She talked me off the ledge at least twice, all while we found humor in whatever the situation. She walked me through the lumbar puncture procedure beforehand (because she knew I liked to be prepared and do my homework), and even held my hand during it. I was ambulatory, which may have made me a more difficult patient because I never used the call button. I just popped my head out and would say, “Sorry to interrupt, but…”. No matter how swamped and overworked she was, often being pulled in many directions, she always greeted me with a smile and always responded as if I was a priority. I can’t explain what all of these traits in a nurse does for a patient who feels trapped, scared, uninformed, and anxious. I feel like I made a friend there. I have NO doubt that most of Lindsey’s patients would say the same and develop an attachment to her.

She does her job with such grace and heart and joy. And it is obvious that she loves her job and her patients. She is great with her co-workers as well, and I saw her willingly give her time to an upset and angry family member of a terminal patient, and Lindsey explained things respectfully and diplomatically, but still allowed the family member to reach her own conclusions. Her communication skills are amazing. It was respectful and above and beyond. And she did this while also getting me discharged! She is the best of the best. Please reward her, and please know what a special gem of a nurse you have there in Lindsey.