Ever since I could remember the meaning of the word “nurse” was someone who gave care and medical attention to a sick person. I have been seen and been treated by many nurses over my lifetime, from being in the military overseas, to doctor office visits, and those times when you are cared for in a hospital. While recovering from a prostate procedure at Long Island Jewish Hospital, I completely learned a new meaning to that word. And it came through a nurse by the name of Ms. Sangeeta Shah.

I learned that the meaning of nurse goes way beyond all one has learned about the profession. I learned that the biggest meaning of the word nurse is “heart.” As I was recovering from my prostate procedure, she was there to calm my inner fears, relax my thoughts of worry, and answer or find out the answer to any question. She answered my questions about pain I might have had, or the time I was bleeding due to spasms in my prostate from the catheter.

Always calm, always caring, and always willing to help.
There were other situations that I noticed during my stay at Long Island Jewish which makes Sangeeta fulfill my definition of nurse through the word “heart.” I could from my room hear that a patient was struggling and having a very difficult time dealing with a similar procedure and that patient was very upset and being a bit belligerent.

Sangeeta’s outstanding personality and caring attitude deescalated the situation in a calming and meaningful way so other health care professionals could help out the patient. She is a tremendous team player and others come to her asking questions or seeking advice. She is one of the most compassionate, professional, and understanding nurses I have ever witnessed anywhere in the world.