Stephanie Pettit
March 2023
Stephanie
Pettit
,
BSN, RN
BHU
Sentara RMH Medical Center
Harrisonburg
,
VA
United States
Due to the level of trust that I felt I had with her, I was able to do something one evening that was extremely difficult.
Stephanie was the first RN I met after waking from late-night admission. She was extraordinary, sweet, and compassionate. I was extremely emotional, crying with everything I said, and was very scared. This was the first time for me, and I was lost. First, she offered me anxiety meds that I did not know I had ordered. Then she ordered me a k-pad for my severe back pain I was experiencing. She then moved me down to the larger unit that was supposed to be more "social." Steph has a very "motherly" mannerisms about her, and this greatly helped me feel more comfortable. She was always available and willing to get me items I needed or coffee. Due to the level of trust that I felt I had with her, I was able to do something one evening that was extremely difficult. On a Friday evening, I was at my lowest point since coming to the BHU. I reached that point in my head again where I wanted to hurt myself and end my life. Scary, scary feelings, but when you aren't thinking straight, these options feel like the only option. I had collected some items that I knew I could use, and being an RN, I knew the best way to use them. I almost did go through with it, but I knew Steph was working that night. I knew she cared and would do whatever to help me. I turned the items in to her. Just knowing she was working that night gave me the courage to not go through with it and to keep fighting. Thank you, Steph!