I was a patient in the PICU for a five-day IV treatment for intractable chronic daily migraines. Kaitlyn created such a welcoming and positive environment the second she stepped into the room. She asked me questions and got to know me as she started my meds and treatment. I told her that I was interested in medicine, and she brought me an anatomy coloring book the next day since she was a day-shift nurse. At the time, I was struggling with both my physical and mental health, but Kaitlyn sat alongside me and talked with me. Listened to me. Hugged me when I cried. She made me feel seen like no one else has. She made me feel better by talking with me and telling me stories.

When I was able to get out of bed for the first time, she walked around the hospital with me and introduced me to other staff. She brought me a DVD player to watch Elf for the first time and crunchy ice to eat when I was nauseous. She took her time to treat me and not just my pain. Anytime she walked into the room, she made me smile. On her last day with me, she left me a letter along with some stickers. I cried so much that night because she had such a significant impact on me, and I was so sad that she had to leave.

It has now been a little over two months since I was out of the hospital, and I am doing so much better. A part of me believes that Kaitlyn is the one who truly inspired me and helped me get to where I am today. That letter that she wrote to me hangs on the board in my room and serves as a reminder of her big heart and her incredible contributions as a nurse and human being.