I’ve been a firefighter for over 30 years, and I’ve never spent any significant time in the hospital, except to deliver patients. I am writing this recommendation to honor one of your most genuine and down-to-earth registered nurses, Eunacia. During my week-long stay at Sarasota Memorial Venice Hospital, Eunacia was my night nurse on my first night and on my fourth, fifth, evening shifts. This severe back injury left me vulnerable, scared, and quite frankly embarrassed. I confided in Eunicia about my embarrassment and explained that I might have to use a bedpan to use the bathroom, a situation I had never encountered before. Eunicia didn’t try to avoid the conversation or patronize me. Instead, she empathized with my feelings and reassured me that it was normal to use the restroom. She emphasized that she was there to take care of me, just like I had taken care of many people in my life, and that she was honored to be able to help me during my time of need.

Eunicia’s down-to-earth and honest attitude helped put me at ease. Later that night, she even cleaned me up. I didn’t feel as embarrassed as I could have, and the conversation helped me regain my dignity. Eunicia was kind, looked me right in the eye, and took excellent care of me. That positive experience set the tone for the rest of my stay. It made me trust that the staff at Sarasota Memorial Venice Hospital would be honest, open, and non-patronizing. That’s just the beginning.

Throughout the rest of my stay, Eunacia made sure that all my needs were met. She kept me comfortable and engaged in conversations about my treatment. When I expressed concerns about my recovery, she reassured me that the hospital provided some of the best care available and that all the staff were committed to ensuring my recovery was as successful as possible. Eunacia stands out not only for her exceptional patient care but also for her holistic approach to my entire care and treatment. She addressed not only my physical injuries but also the mental issues that often accompany them. I witnessed her working with her team, observing their effective communication and collaborative efforts in providing care for me and other patients. Although I am unsure if she holds a team leadership position, I can confidently say that she possesses natural leadership qualities. I am deeply grateful for the care she provided me during the several days she was on duty.