Donna is THE most compassionate nurse I've experienced as both a patient and a fellow medical professional; Paramedic of 11 years. When I fell ill with severe head pain that would turn out to be meningitis, she went above and beyond to take care of me. I believe I can speak for many healthcare professionals when I say that the decision to go to the E.R. can be daunting. Known for being "difficult patients," we are not only physically unwell, but we are likely battling thoughts of second questioning ourselves. "Do we really need to go to the E.R.?" At least, that is the internal battle I had with myself. It took three different trips to the emergency room before I received the dreadful diagnosis of meningitis. The first trip was actually to another hospital, E.R., where my self-judgment became reinforced when I felt severely judged by the nurse who "cared" for me. Her behavior, spoken and unspoken, left me feeling like "just another patient." Essentially, she brushed off my symptoms as having just a migraine (which I had no medical history of), and the medical team sent me on my way quickly.

However, when I presented to Perham Health E.R., Donna was my nurse, and I felt reassured that I was not a burden. She provided reassurance that I was not crazy for feeling like something was wrong and that I was TAKEN CARE OF. I cannot stress enough how much she embodied compassion, empathy, and understanding. Donna treated me like a human being, and led her care, heart forward. Her nursing practice is proof that the "little things" do matter, like the cold washcloth placed on my forehead and eyes, dimming the lights in the room, the warm blanket, the calm/quiet voice she used, and the intradermal lidocaine before the IV-start. Things are, in my opinion, so often overlooked in regard to patient care. Put merely, she provided excellent physical care and addressed the emotional side of Nursing.

Donna inspired me so much that I finally decided to embark on my journey and begin nursing school, which I am halfway through. I will forever have this experience in the back of my mind and plan to incorporate her essence into my patient care. Perham Health should feel extremely lucky to have her on its team. Thank you, Donna!