I was admitted to the ER in the evening. I was considered a boarder in the ER for several days because there were no available isolation rooms. My white blood count was dangerously low, and I was experiencing a fever. I was diagnosed with neutropenic fever. The underlying issue was RSV, and my body just could not fight it without assistance because of my low white blood count.

Marla was one of my main nurses during my long stay in the ER. She demonstrated all of the ICARE values. She had integrity, showed me compassion, and was my advocate when I was experiencing high pulse rates and wheezing due to the RSV. She helped me to communicate my breathing issues since the doctors were more focused on treating the fever instead of treating the RSV. I was struggling to breathe, causing my pulse to go extremely high. Marla communicated my struggles to the doctor. Once he saw me and listened to my lungs, he immediately started the appropriate treatments for my breathing. Marla always showed me respect and was always kind. She took the time to listen to my needs and to address them, even though it was obvious that she and the other nurses were overworked due to crowding in the ER and the lack of rooms for the patients who needed to be admitted.

Marla showed patience and displayed a positive attitude toward me and other patients while working under stressful conditions. She was always professional and put my needs first, above her own. I am an employee, but in this instance, I was the patient. I can say 100% that my experience in the ER was greatly improved due to the care and kindness that Marla showed me.