Riley took care of me recently when I was in the ER and made one of the worst experiences in my life more bearable. I woke up in the worst pain of my life, screaming and begging for help. Riley worked quickly to get everything completed, gave me pain medication, and got my IV on her first try (even though I’m always told I have difficult veins). My boyfriend and family were all out of town, and it was the middle of the night, and I didn’t want to wake them. Riley asked me over and over how she could comfort me and always reassured me that she was just “one button away with the call light.”

When the ultrasound showed I was miscarrying, Riley sat in my room, comforted me, and asked me if I had questions about what was going to happen next. The doctor wanted to discharge me home to “pass the miscarriage” but it was all happening really fast. Riley tried to make me more comfortable by bringing a toilet to my room rather than having me walk through the hall.

When I finished passing my miscarriage, I was bawling and asked her to get the toilet out of my room because the thought of my baby in that bucket made me sick to my stomach. Riley was so kind and continued to reassure me that she was there for me in any way I needed. When I was getting ready to be discharged, she brought me pamphlets about miscarriage and ways to cope. I told her I didn’t want them at all. I had only known I was pregnant for two weeks, and this wasn’t even a planned pregnancy, but she told me that I didn’t have to decide or read it right now, and if I wanted to later, I could, but I could also throw it away. I ended up reading them a week later with my boyfriend, and we were so glad she sent them with us. I honestly hope I never have to go to the ER again, but if I do, I hope my next nurse is as sweet as Riley was.