I went to the hospital with what I thought was constipation. In the ER they told me I had a mass that was cancer in my colon. At 38, I had cancer. Needless to say, I was scared about this and the many unknowns at this point in my care. The transporter came to take me to my room and the ER nurse told me visiting hours were over and that my husband would have to leave. With COVID restrictions, he was unable to spend the night with me. I was devastated. I had just received this life-altering news and my rock couldn't be by my side. I was feeling very sad and alone as they wheeled me to the Oncology Floor.

Once settled in my room, I was greeted by nurse Sierra Newton. Sierra became my rock that night. She listened, supported, and provided the care I needed to make it through the night. She didn't force me to talk about how I was feeling, but let me know she was there for anything I needed. As we completed the intake paperwork, she provided the right amount of humor to put me at ease and built a strong rapport with me. Sierra was able to turn my whole outlook around and reminded me that I wasn't alone in this journey; that she and others would be there to support me.

Sierra continued to show this same level of care each time she was my nurse. Her first night back on the floor she wasn't assigned to me, but still came to check in on me and make sure I was ok. Two other nights she was my nurse and I was thrilled. She continued to provide the steady support I needed as I adjusted to a colostomy bag and life as a cancer patient. I appreciated her ability to help me process my experience and her detailed knowledge of her job. I will also say that the nights she was my nurse, my family's minds were at ease as they knew I would be getting top-notch care from Sierra and that I was thrilled she was my nurse.

Sierra is an asset to not only St. E but to all the Oncology patients she will encounter on her floor. Sierra, thank you for being an all-star nurse. The work you do truly makes a difference!