Around 6:00 am, I arrived for a Tilt Table Test at the Electrophysiology Lab/Cardiovascular Short Stay Unit on the seventh floor of Duke University Hospital. It was a difficult morning, as I traveled 1.5 hours, passed out upon arrival (before the test), had no good veins for an IV, and generally felt anxious about the procedure.

With the help of other nurses and staff members, I got through pre-op and the test itself in about 5.5 hours. The pre-op nurses and procedure nurses that I had were all great, but the post-op nurse whom I nominated really stood out to me.

Abbey exhibited all the qualities that I value in a nurse. She was compassionate, reassuring, patient, and respectful, and she seemed to genuinely care about my well-being. I always hate to ask my nurses for anything (I feel like a bother), but Abbey was happy to help with whatever I needed, no hesitation. She also did a great job of assessing the situation and anticipating my needs before I had to ask for something.

For example, she brought me a warm blanket when starting my saline IV, and she brought me snacks right after the procedure since I hadn't eaten in over 24 hours. I was still a bit shaken from the eventful morning, and Abbey was so helpful in easing my anxiety. She explained everything to me in a way that was easy to understand, and she made sure all of my questions were answered.

Shortly before I was discharged, I overheard another nurse saying that Abbey was supposed to be on her lunch break (my room was right by the nurses' station). I heard Abbey reply that she would complete my discharge before taking her break.

Abbey returned to my room and went over all the discharge paperwork and instructions with me. She asked if I needed anything before I left, and I hesitantly replied that I needed to use the restroom but didn't want to keep her. She realized I had overheard the conversation about her break, and she kindly said it was no problem and that she was glad to help.

I wasn't allowed to walk after my passing out episode in the morning, so Abbey had to wheel me down the hall and help me use the restroom. I felt awful that I was delaying her lunch break, but she was so reassuring and didn't make me feel rushed at all.

When we returned to my room, she finished the discharge and said I was free to go. She helped me gather my belongings, and she asked if I was all set. I said yes and was preparing to wheel myself out, but Abbey stayed with me and wheeled me all the way back to the waiting room down the hall (where my family member/driver had stayed).

She explained the discharge instructions to my driver and made sure we were both comfortable leaving. I am certain that this is not standard, as I saw many patients leaving the EP Lab/CVSSU on their own or with a family member.

The nominee truly went above and beyond by wheeling me outside of her designated area and down the hall of the seventh floor to meet my family member. This may not sound like much to the reviewing committee, but it has made a lasting impact on me.

Although I'm only 25 years old, I have been to countless doctors' appointments and procedures in my life. There have been numerous times where a nurse has handed me discharge instructions and left me to fend for myself, and there have been many times where a nurse has made me feel guilty for asking a question or asking for help.

I have no complaints about my experience with Abbey; I don't think I've ever been treated so kindly by a nurse. I searched for a way to recognize Abbey for her exceptional care.

Her patience, eagerness to help, empathy, and genuine kindness meant so much to me. I am incredibly grateful for her help, as it turned an unpleasant day into a positive, memorable one.