I had never been in the ICU before, and although I’ve had several surgeries in my life, my C5–6 ACDF surgery was by far the scariest. Knowing I would have to stay overnight in the ICU made me even more nervous. As a registered nurse myself, I understand the importance of staying ahead of pain, and because of some difficult past experiences with pain management in the hospital, I was genuinely afraid that my pain wouldn’t be controlled. Connor took over my care the morning after my surgery, and she was truly exceptional. From the moment she walked into my room, she was attentive, compassionate, and completely on top of my pain control.

Being an ICU nurse is incredibly demanding, and she was very busy that day, caring for not only me but also a patient on a ventilator. She never once let that show. She remained calm, focused, and kind throughout her entire shift. Even though I could see how much she had on her plate, she never made me feel like a burden or an afterthought. When it was time for my pain medication and she was tied up with her other patient, she proactively asked the charge nurse to come in and take care of me so I wouldn’t have to wait. She didn’t have to do that; I would have understood, but she took the time to plan because she knew about my past experiences. That level of thoughtfulness and compassion is something you can’t teach. It’s what makes a truly exceptional nurse.

Connor was friendly, outgoing, timely, and thorough- everything you hope for in the nurse who’s caring for you at your most vulnerable time. She helped me feel relaxed and safe. She listened, understood how anxious I was about moving my neck after surgery, and offered both reassurance and clear education. I cannot thank her enough for the care she provided. Even with such a demanding assignment, she still went above and beyond for me without a single complaint. I tried to express my gratitude as I was leaving the hospital, but I want her to know just how much her kindness, professionalism, and compassion meant to me. She made a frightening experience so much easier, and I will always be grateful.