“Hey, Nurse Jackie!” Those are the first words that come out of my mouth every single Thursday when I head to “my” room. Now there isn’t really a Nurse Jackie, it is Leslie, but because of the relationship we have built over the past year, she always greets me with a wise comment back. She is the reason that I don’t mind spending 4-5 hours there every single week.

She has seen me at my best and at my worst. She has laughed with me, laughed at me, cried with me, and always knows exactly what I need, both for my physical and mental well-being. Leslie is the type of nurse that any medical facility would be blessed to have. 

I know the people at Oneida Hospital are exceptional. Before the creation of 4W, I spent a year of Thursdays being moved between Endo, OB, Ambulatory, and even ICU, wherever they would find room for me that day. I was very fortunate to have had wonderful nurses in all areas. And maybe it’s the way Leslie and I first met in ambulatory surgery, which wasn’t so positive on my part, that set her apart from the rest. I knew the second time that I saw her and did apologize for my not-so-charming comment, that I was going to be in great hands.

I could use tons of adjectives to describe Leslie but without the reasons, those are just words. So I am choosing to share why Leslie is a cut above the rest. 

She is real.
Being sick is hard. Having teenage daughters, while being sick makes it that much harder. Leslie knows both of my girls. She knew them before she met them because she takes the time to listen as I share stories and pictures. She tells me about her daughter. We talk about traveling and relationships. We share plenty that has nothing to do with me being sick. And that means the world to me. 

The first time my youngest daughter came to be with me during part of my treatment was last August. Everyone knew she was coming from the security guards to transport, cleaning staff, pharmacists, and most of the 4th floor nurses because I didn’t want her to be scared and I wanted it to seem as normal as possible. It was definitely harder than I anticipated. Seeing her tears as she saw me hooked up the first time was “horrible” as she described it. It was one thing to know it happens every week and another thing to see it. Everyone was great. However, Leslie stood out. She took the time to explain to my daughter exactly what was going on. She was patient as she was asked many questions. She was thoughtful but honest in her responses. Leslie is the one that made it so that every Thursday when I am there, my daughter is not scared. That alone sets her apart from the many others.

She is respectful.
I have a routine. I walk into the hospital in “regular” clothes and then change into my “sick” clothes. She understands that I am so much more than my illness and that I don’t let it define who I am or what I can do. She allows me time to change, set up, and get my snacks, all so that I am as comfortable as possible while I am there. She is respectful of my needs, even though I know sometimes she thinks I am a little crazy. And yes, she tells me that.

She is honest.
“Oh yes, it has fallen out a lot since last week.” No one wants to hear that they are losing their hair ever. It’s hard. But instead of sugarcoating things and telling me it was fine, she confirmed what I already knew but needed to hear. I appreciate that. And it’s not just my hair. She shoots straight with me all of the time. She tells me when new meds may be tough. She tells me that my skin looks great or is not so good. I know that when I need the truth, Leslie will give it to me. 

She is knowledgeable.
I am the patient with a great port, if there is such a thing. Newer nurses come in to practice on me and I welcome and encourage it because that is the only way they will be able to be great nurses like Leslie. And even though the new nurses come in with a mentor nurse, Leslie stays in the room while they access my port to provide feedback, suggestions, and explanations. She also helps ease their nerves because they are nervous. A real person for the first time, I am sure that is scary but she shares her knowledge so they leave my room with more knowledge than they came in with. 

She is compassionate. 
“I am going to die.” I am not sure when it hit me or why it did when it did. It was a Thursday morning and I woke up that way. I carried that thought with me to the hospital and was a train wreck after being there for just a few short minutes. Those were the words I walked out to the nurses' station and said to Leslie before I broke down. I felt horrible after because I had upset her and two other nurses. They weren’t angry. They were sad. I am aware of how gravely ill so many are and she still took the time with me that day. She talked to me and hugged me and checked on me more than just when she had to come in to increase the dosage. I was not a priority that day and yet to her, I was. 

She is resourceful. 
Many weeks there is something new that is added to my “cocktail” as I like to refer to it. For many weeks I am given new prescriptions to take. Leslie is my nurse, not a pharmacist, but if I have questions, she is always able to either get the answers I need or will have someone like Sadie, come in and explain. She is not afraid to say she isn’t sure and then find someone who does know. She doesn’t play pretend or make things up. That is one of her qualities that I admire most. 

She is energetic. 
There are lots of patients with many different needs, all at the same time and she bounces from room to room. I hear her greet others. I see her interact with others as I take my laps around the 4th floor. Her job is not easy and I can see that. She doesn’t share that, but I can see that I am not the only patient that is treated so wonderfully. She truly cares about each of us and I can say that some of them are far from sunshine and rainbows and are downright difficult. I observe a lot because I am there so often and even on a day when all rooms are full and there are orders that have not been called in, patients who have procedures canceled once they are there, and emergencies arise, she is quick and attentive, giving each patient the care they deserve promptly. 

So that is my “Nurse Jackie”. And while what I have shared is a true reflection of the care that I have been given, there are still many other qualities that make Leslie the most outstanding nurse I have ever had the opportunity to be treated by, and in the past several years, there are more than I care to count. She truly is an outstanding medical professional and is the true representation of why nurses are “essential workers”. Nurses are essential not only for the physical care of a patient but for their mental well-being, to support their struggling loved ones, and to support each other through difficulties. My friends, my family, my daughters, and I are confident in the care that I receive because Leslie is acutely aware of my needs and is sure they are met every single week. And while in the middle of summer when I would rather be doing something else on a sunny Thursday, I am okay because I get to go spend time in a place where I am truly cared for. Thank you, Leslie.