It's the little things that add up, the things that can make a stressful situation feel a little lighter. My teenage daughter went into the ER after a week of worsening symptoms, one of which was pain. Her nurse was kind. She took the time to listen and to explain what she was doing. She brought my daughter two warm blankets and inserted an IV expertly and gently. She showed me where the pantry was, stocked with yummy snacks. She was on top of the doctor's orders and carried them out efficiently. She was encouraging and supportive.

She took the time to help my daughter and me set up the MyChart portal, which, because she’s a minor, had been impossible for us to do beforehand. She made sure we understood the diagnosis, the aftercare instructions, and what to look out for. She made sure we knew the team would be there for us if we needed to come back. And as we were leaving after about three and a half hours, she offered us some food from a little holiday party the unit had put together.

Did our nurse do anything extraordinarily lifesaving or heroic? No. But she was extraordinary, and all those little things she did reassured me that if our situation had required extraordinary measures, she would have been up to the task. The little things she did put us at ease and had me confidently telling family and friends that Jersey Shore is the place to go, even if it is a little farther of a drive.

Thank you, Ashley!