In November I stopped by my Cardiology office for an errand, at which time, my primary RN expressed concern about my visual symptoms. Not having an appointment and with the Thanksgiving holiday near, I left with the usual notion that l would improve. Later that day, I received a call from the office stating the nurse's concern and that there was an open appointment arranged for me on the following day due to a cancellation. I went and after the doctor's evaluation, he was having a room prepared for me next door at the main hospital (LVHN Muhlenberg) to have my A-fib corrected. It was a complicated decision for me to make at that moment because of my logistics - I was undergoing a life-changing move living in a camper with my pet dog. Initially not absorbing what the length of stay expected was to be, combined with not feeling well at the time, gradually understood and became overwhelmed with the problems facing me. It was then that RN Nancy Throckmorton came to my aid, not only medically but personally. After listening to my situation and concerns about not having any family or friends to assist me, using her professional and human compassion attributes, she went on a mission. After all, this was a cardiac situation and a calming environment was the goal, she reached out to security and case management for options and resources available to temporally shelter my pet. I left phone messages for the recommended references, but because of the upcoming holiday, they went unanswered. It was then that she reassured me that there was nothing to worry about - she would look out for my dog on her personal time.

She would periodically provide updates either herself or through her team members. Soon one by one, different team members would offer updates on Rocco knowing it would aid in my relief. I had come to realize that the outside help was not going to be available, and that the inside hospital volunteer team organized by "Coach Nancy" would solve the problem and finish the game by walking, feeding, and offering love and attention to any patient (whether having either two or four legs).

Nancy impressed upon me that her commitment to the nursing profession is based on her core principles -all creatures great and small deserve love, care, and compassion. I shall be forever grateful.