I was in the midst of my hospital admission when I received a difficult diagnosis that left me feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I was alone at the time, with my husband on speakerphone and on his way to the hospital. Two of the compassionate CNAs who came in to take my vitals noticed that I was visibly upset and quickly informed my nurse. Soon after, a floating nurse, Cameron Macomber, entered the room to take over my care for the remainder of the day.

From the moment she walked in, Cameron brought comfort, compassion, and advocacy to a situation where I felt extremely vulnerable. She listened carefully to every word and held my hand. She asked if my husband was on his way and stayed with me until he arrived a few moments later. When my husband arrived, Cameron greeted him warmly and gently walked us through the plan for the evening.

She completed my neuro checks and administered my medications with skill and attentiveness, but she went far beyond that. She noticed blood stains on my linens and asked when they had last been changed. She provided warm cleansing wipes and helped me clean around my chest catheter and back while preserving my dignity. She then assisted me into a clean gown and changed my bed linens, creating a much-needed sense of comfort.

When she asked the last time I had washed my hair, I told her it had been before surgery and that I had only been using dry shampoo since. Cameron smiled and said, “If I can find ten minutes, we’ll find a way to wash your hair.” True to her word, she made it a priority. She carefully protected my catheter with towels and gently used basins to wet and wash my hair, finishing with conditioner to detangle it. That night, for the first time in days, I went to bed with clean hair, clean skin, clean linens, and a sense of emotional relief I had not felt in a long time.

Before leaving, Cameron sat with me for a few quiet moments and held my hand. She saw me not just as a patient but as a whole person in need of comfort and kindness. Although she was a floating nurse and not regularly assigned to the Neuro floor, she returned on her breaks the following two days just to check in on me.

I would also like to acknowledge and commend the exceptional team of nurses and CNAs on the Neuro floor. Every individual involved in my care demonstrated extraordinary strength, compassion, skill, and patience, qualities that define the very best in healthcare. My husband and I are profoundly grateful for the outstanding care I received throughout my stay. We feel truly blessed to have been in the hands of such dedicated and capable professionals and keep them in our prayers. This world is a better place because of them. 

Cameron Macomber demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion and professionalism that I will never forget. I am deeply grateful for the holistic care she provided, not only meeting my medical needs but tending to my emotional and human needs with such grace and empathy. She truly made a difference during one of the most difficult moments of my life, and she will always hold a special place in my heart.