I was admitted to the hospital on a Wednesday evening for bleeding. Abby was my day nurse for multiple days that I was there. She went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable; she has a very good bedside manner and always treated me with respect and dignity.

I wasn't doing very well with all the needles, the blood that was being taken, and the repeated IVs. Abby was there on Friday late in the day when I had a meltdown about having another IV put in my arm. She told me that my feelings were valid, and that she was sorry for the anxiety and the stress that I was experiencing.

At another point, I had to have multiple exams in delicate and embarrassing places. I made the comment, "I understand, I am in a hospital." Abby then let me know that, even though I was in a hospital, and there were many procedures being performed on me, and that it was very invasive and embarrassing, I still had the right to my dignity. She treated me like she saw the person, and not just the patient. She showed great empathy toward me and made my stay as good as it could have been. I felt like Abby heard me when I talked and wasn't just listening to be done with me to move on. She was gentle and kind when I needed potassium and made sure to adjust the IV so it wasn't painful to insert. I know that sounds like something that should be done all the time, but it's not. I have been to other hospitals and had to have things through an IV, and the nurses did not take the time to make sure that I was as comfortable as I could be with what was happening. For that, I am thankful for Nurse Abby!