Recently I had one of the darkest nights of my life. I was in the hospital after coming to the ER, having lost a lot of blood as a complication of polypectomy the week before. I had received wonderful care during the day from another nurse, but was incredibly anxious about how I could possibly go through the prep for another colonoscopy for them to stop the bleeding. Between my stroke and blood loss, I was too weak to leave the bed or even hold the cup for the prep. The beginning of the prep was quite traumatic with more blood loss and intense efforts from A and her team. The charge nurse, L, recognized that she needed to find me a private room, and specifically assigned Grace as my nurse. I just couldn’t imagine how I would possibly get through the prep and all the cleanup it would entail. I kept feeling I wouldn’t get through the night. Grace stopped in and made all the difference in the world. She stayed with me essentially the entire night, holding the straw to my mouth and encouraging me every step of the way. No matter how many times I told her I couldn’t drink anymore, Grace knew how important it was that she helped me get to the point where the colonoscopy could be done and stop the bleeding. After nearly every cup, she would have to switch to clean up mode, which she did with tremendous compassion. By the time I was cleaned up, she was right back, encouraging me to drink again. She helped me focus on the task at hand. She would dance or tell jokes or anything to get us through the night. Any time her other patients needed her she was right back with me as soon as possible. It was a daunting process that took over 12 hours, but we got through the prep because of Grace. In the end, she made sure that the colonoscopy could proceed and arranged specifically so that she could do a final clean up of everything before the end of her shift. It was a success! Dr. P. and her wonderful team were able to fix me up. Grace was right back with me the next night, helping with my recovery on a thankfully much less eventful night, but with the same care and support. Throughout that initial horrible night Grace was there to see me through, and I am so grateful for her specifically, as well as the rest of my care team here at Inova Fair Oaks. Thank you! 

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Grace was helpful from the moment I arrived on the unit. She escorted my wife out late at night when we were both in a very emotional state. She was my Night Shift nurse and was so caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. She went above, and beyond to make sure I was comfortable, hydrated, and well taken care of. I was lucky to have her as my nurse. She is wonderful!