My husband was in absolute agony after his small bowel was resected, as he was violently vomiting every few hours. After enduring this for over two days, and with my husband in immense pain every time he threw up. His pain was so severe that he had to take morphine and Dilaudid. I decided to do my own research on the National Institutes of Health website. I found a medical journal that suggested using a PPI to calm down fluid production.

When I approached Nurse Laura with my findings, not only did she listen, but she truly **heard** me. She understood how miserable he had been and immediately called the doctor to suggest the PPI and to suspend the anti-nausea meds, as nausea was not the core problem. The doctor agreed, and my husband's vomiting stopped. He was finally able to begin feeling better. Laura’s actions were a turning point in my husband’s recovery. She made me feel that my concerns and frustrations were completely validated. Her kindness, compassion, and empathy are a true testament to what it means to be a great nurse.

Laura's actions had a life-changing impact on my husband's recovery and a profoundly validating impact on me. Laura's willingness to listen turned a desperate situation around. Her immediate phone call to the doctor was the single action that led to my husband stopping his violent vomiting. She didn’t just save him from further pain and risk; she gave him the ability to finally begin his recovery. For me, her impact was equally significant. After days of feeling unheard and frustrated, Laura’s response made me feel seen and respected. Her compassion transformed me from a helpless bystander into a valued partner in my husband’s care. Her actions weren't just a part of her job; they were an act of true partnership and compassion that ended a period of intense suffering.