February 2024
Rebecca
Skehan
,
BSN, RN
Tower 2
WellSpan York Hospital
York
,
PA
United States
Her caring and compassionate demeanor made me feel less vulnerable and more secure during my stay
I became a registered nurse in 1972 and spent the next 44 years caring for patients in different settings. Throughout my nursing career, I always made sure to conduct comprehensive assessments and address all of my patients' needs, from physical to psychological. I believed in the importance of making patients feel well-cared for, and I tried to impart this mindset to the nurses I trained. However, my experience as a cancer patient gave me a new perspective on this matter. As I woke up from anesthesia, still groggy and vulnerable, I was transferred to Tower 2 for recovery. It was then that I met Rebecca, who turned out to be the best RN I could have hoped for. She conducted a thorough clinical assessment and took the time to explain her findings to me. Moreover, she went above and beyond to ensure my comfort during my hospital stay. For instance, I had been given small heating packs to alleviate my pain, but they were not effective and had to be thrown away. Rebecca took the time to ask me questions about my pain and determined that it was due to a chronic condition, not my surgery. She ordered a special heating pad that helped me find comfort throughout my hospital stay. Aside from her excellent bedside manner and attention to detail, Rebecca took the time to get to know me and my family personally. Her caring and compassionate demeanor made me feel less vulnerable and more secure during my stay. I had Rebecca for only one shift, and I am still in awe of her care and dedication. I hope that all patients have the privilege of being cared for by a nurse like Rebecca, even for just one shift. My dream is for every patient to have a nurse like her for their entire hospital stay.