Yana King was my OR Nurse during my surgery at UF Downtown last week. She embodied all three core values (Compassion, Communication, Clinical Care) in how she cared for me.

When I met her before surgery, the first thing I noticed was how comforting her presence was. After reviewing general information with me, Yana asked if there was anything she or the team needed to be aware of before surgery. Of course, I'm sure this question is simply on the standard list of questions to review, but Yana truly cared and was genuinely curious about my answer. Though I'm younger, my past medical history is complex. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and shared my concerns about positioning during surgery and whether they could implement any joint protection interventions. Yana was very kind, took my concerns seriously, and we spoke about hyperextension and my history for a moment or two. I felt very understood, as Yana listened so well! She took the time to explain the type of padding that would be used, while assuring me that she'd do all she could to protect my joints. Not only that, but Yana offered to ask OR staff if I could be repositioned periodically to prevent any hip or knee complications. Even though our interaction was but a few minutes long, Yana helped me feel much more comfortable, and her compassion put my mind at ease!

Upon completion of my surgery, I reviewed the OP note and was pleasantly surprised to read its mention of my positioning in terms of joint protection. I woke up with far less joint pain than any other surgery I've had (this was number 5). I will be forever thankful for Yana and her thoughtfulness! I could tell that her goal was to provide the best nursing care; my heart believes this is her aim with every patient she encounters. I did not get a chance to see Yana again following my surgery, but I discovered her name listed on the biopsy report in MyChart.

Thank you, Yana, for all you do! You rock!