I believe there is a science to the practice of nursing and, equally important, an art. Jacque modeled both in a very short time during my surgery experience. Knowing I was an RN, Jacque spoke with me in both patient and nursing lingo interchangeably, making no assumptions about my knowledge base yet demonstrating respect for me as an "RN." She was kind, compassionate, efficient, respectful, and skilled! Nurses are often challenging patients as we "know too much.” Jacque smiled frequently, put me at ease, anticipated questions but did not assume, made frequent eye contact when we spoke, used her gentle hand placed on me as if to share 'it's all good,' and when she needed to document, she shared what she was doing but then came right back to the engaged conversation. As soon as appropriate, Jacque brought my husband back to be with me, and once again, she flawlessly put my husband at ease and even made him smile!

My greatest concern going into surgery was nausea and vomiting. I have experienced both, significantly, with previous general anesthesia. I had shared this concern with everyone who was involved in preparing me for surgery. All this to say, Jacque and Lanae made sure they did everything to promote the "Great" outcome!! I don't remember much after surgery. However, my husband does, and he supplemented his thoughts on the skilled and compassionate care I received to what I do recall. I remember Jacque saying, "She's hurting, and I'm trying everything we've got ordered to get her comfortable," and then, "She will be more comfortable when she is able to see her husband."

I remember Lanae’s gentle touch to my arm with my name called; I remember the cold air in my face that instantly removed the slightest wave of nausea; I remember the kind, patient words between Lanae and my husband during the several different times they tried to "wake me up"; I remember trying to focus on her name badge and seeing her smile. My husband was impressed with the 1:1 monitoring and the frequent assessment of my pain/nausea with intervention, and he was very impressed that although it was clear the objective was to stimulate me for discharge, Lanae remained compassionate, steady, and in no rush to "push me" awake. I believe it is important to share that it is not easy to "impress" my husband!

To this day, I have no idea how I got dressed, how I got to the car when discharged, or the car ride home. I do remember NO pain, NO nausea, and NO vomiting!! My husband has shared, more than once, that it did take me a good while to "wake up" and that Lanae was compassionate, efficient, attentive, and patient! I realize medication plays a role in minimizing pain, nausea, and emesis, but so does timing, gentle stimulation, and activity. Please help me recognize the value Jacque and Lanae bring not only to the Nursing Profession but also to Methodist! I still remember that cold air in my face and smiling nurses! Thank you!