My first time having to be an inpatient in the behavioral health department, and it can be scary and overwhelming. When I met Karen, she instantly made me feel very comfortable. I make silly jokes when nervous and trying to hide my nervousness, and she smiled and laughed with me. She made me feel as if I was at home. I had a handful of different nurses, but when I saw her the next day, it was such a relief. She is such a busy woman but still takes the time to stop for a minute to chat and laugh.

She made me feel better about not knowing all the rules. I got a little excited when I found out she was gonna be there a third day in a row and on my last day. She’s not just here for a job. She takes the time to talk with the patients and helps them understand their treatment and journey. I can tell she really enjoys her job with the patients in that department. I see her working hard but will take the time the patients need to feel more at ease for being in an uncomfortable situation. It felt like having my mom in the hospital with me. She is not overbearing, nor does she ever come off as judgmental. If I could give her a hug to thank her, I would. If I could have her as my nurse for anything medical, I would definitely call upon her for help. Kind and compassionate is an understatement to describe Karen! Even when she had to check on me every 15 minutes, she was smiling. Such a warm presence in such a scary place.