I am not an easy patient to have. I don't like having to ask for help. I don't like being dependent on anyone else. Having major abdominal surgery put me in a position where I had no choice. I HAD to depend on my care team. I am also a very anxious person. I tend to worry a lot and ask a lot of questions so that I can have some sense of understanding/certainty.

Maddie was my nurse as soon as I was brought from recovery. She was pleasant, kind and answered all my questions. Over the next 12 hours, I believe she went above and beyond her nursing responsibilities. She made having to ask for help seem effortless. She normalized very awkward and uncomfortable things (needing help to the bathroom). She seemed to show up before I had to ask and would offer the very things I needed (medication, water, to use the restroom). She seemed to pay attention to me, and my needs and was able to accommodate me easily.

The reason I would nominate her is that she did not just do her nursing duties; it felt like she really cared for me. It wasn't just that she seemed to know what I needed and would timely show up to help with it, but she was also considerate, prompt, and attentive. She returned quickly if she said she was bringing the water or meds. Every time she came into the room, she brought me something and cleared any clutter or trash. It made me feel comfortable. It seemed that my comfort was important to her. I was able to relax and not have to worry about my recovery. She was my nurse for 12 hours, and I was very grateful for her care. When the shift changed, there was a noticeable difference.  I think overall the staff did a fine job.

However, I think Maddie just made the experience so comforting and calm. She was thoughtful, considerate, dependable, and kind. I appreciated that. I think nurses' jobs are tough. They have to care for people when people are not at their best. Maddie made a stressful experience more than tolerable, it was very therapeutic and healing.