Riding to the Emergency Room in an ambulance typically occurs as part of one of the worst days of your life. My recent trip occurred true to form and I was thoroughly demoralized upon my arrival at the South Shore Hospital. Learning that upon completion of Emergency Room festivities, that I would be interned to a hospital room on the second floor for the duration of my stay did nothing to raise my spirits. 

Little did I know at that point my luck had drastically changed for the better. This was because my care had fallen under the purview of Nurse Grace. This woman is literally a walking beam of positivity and compassion. At first, I wondered what planet she was from, and after a few double takes, I realized it was my planet and she wasn't leaving. When you first learn of the tests and procedures that have to be taken and passed if you want to get well and leave the hospital in a reasonable time frame, it is quite daunting. Especially when you add in the drama caused by people you need approval from being unavailable when you need them. Rather than sink into terminal depression with me, Grace thrived on getting what seemed impossible done. She did some of the blocked things herself and somehow got everything done with no fuss and no muss. Before I knew it, in a few days, I was better and packing for the door. To complete the job and get me out after what you think would be normal working hours, Grace drove the golf cart taking me to freedom. 

Grace was very caring and compassionate. She always answered my calls for help. One time that I needed her, she was on her lunch break. But as soon as she returned, she came directly to my room to see what I needed. I was very fortunate to have Grace on my last day at the hospital stay. I was extremely anxious to leave and get home. Unfortunately, my doctor didn't come the morning I was supposed to leave. I spoke to Grace several times, worrying that I would need to spend another night in the hospital unnecessarily. Grace understood how important it was for me to be discharged and always treated me with kindness and respect no matter how many times I bothered her. She kept reassuring me that I would get to go home. She also tracked what was happening with my discharge. As soon as she got notice of my discharge being approved by my doctor, she came and told me the papers were in the works and that she would quickly process everything. So, I was released within a very short period of time. In addition, she wheeled me to my car, so I wouldn't have to wait for someone to be free to take me. 

Grace was caring, attentive, professional, and always there for me. She made my hospital stay as good as a hospital stay can be and sent me off as a happy patient.