My husband and I were on our first anniversary and took a trip to Arizona after our celebration. The day after our arrival, I started feeling unwell, and that night my husband had to drive me to the emergency room. I ended up being admitted to 7 Central, and Brenda was my nurse for two nights.

I am incredibly grateful to share my experience with Miss Brenda, as I called her. She went above and beyond for me during this particularly emotional and challenging time. I was in a completely different state, far from home, far from my family and support system, while also in an important step of my fertility journey. I needed labs collected (the morning after the night she worked) and sent them to my fertility doctors at a specific time, to a specific unit in my clinic on a tight timeline, so my fertility process would not be interrupted but could continue without delay.

I had mentioned this to the previous day's staff, but it was just brushed off to the next shift. This was very devastating because I was so emotional. I had the lab lady walk in to draw my labs for the day, and I asked if it included the labs for the fertility center. She mentioned she had no idea, and I would have to ask my nurse. I called Brenda.  As soon as I calmed down and explained the situation, she stepped up and didn't hesitate for a second. She stood by me, paged the doctor, and not only did she ensure the labs were collected, but also cared genuinely as a human, as a woman who knows what other women have to go through for fertility. Miss Brenda helped navigate the logistics, coordinated with the labs, and ensured all details were handled properly.

Her calm presence reassured me during my time filled with uncertainty, and her determination made what felt impossible possible. The kindness, empathy, calm nature, and professionalism deeply touched me. Brenda is a shining example of what nursing is truly about: compassion in action.