I was in a vehicle collision on a rural road and taken to an ER in a rural community, and that is where I met Dan. While I was being wheeled into the ER, I was greeted with, “Hi, I’m Dan, and I will be your nurse. I am here to take care of you.” Dan made sure I was fully aware of every course of action the ER team took, from explaining why I needed to wear a hospital gown to making sure he kindly introduced each person who came in, what evaluation they came to do, and why it needed to be done.

In addition to making sure I knew of each procedure, Dan listened to me. I asked for an alternative to the recommended pain treatment, and he looked into it; the PA was a little doubtful of my request, but Dan helped advocate for me and was able to find a solution that the PA and I could agree on. I asked if I could have water as soon I was cleared to drink water, and he said, “Yes, when you’re given the okay, you can have water.” I asked another nurse for my sister and never got a response; I followed up with Dan, and right away, he found my sister in the waiting room and brought her (and my brother) to sit with me. Everything that was done and every question asked, he made sure I was involved and heard. Reevaluating that day, everything felt out of control since the moment of impact during the collision, and Dan made me feel like I had control of my care; I now realize that was so important to my recovery. Dan stayed true to his word and took care of me.