Some nurses are skillfully proficient, and other nurses are efficiently precise, but once compassion is added to that, a nurse’s connection with the patient becomes more deeply appreciated.

Such was my experience when I found myself in the emergency room having acute cholecystitis. After the cholecystectomy, my care team included April, an outstanding, skillful nurse who guided me through bouts of pain and what to expect aftereffects would be. We conversed at length about our families and grandchildren, helping me to focus on comforting thoughts as an important part of my care.

April assisted me through an unfamiliar situation, she performed her duties so smoothly while we talked, it was more like a friend whom I knew forever. Her compassion never felt like something required, it was part of April’s personality. I was extremely blessed to have her care for me.