Alexa Brovda, CMSRN

I had surgery at Tisch Hospital, and Alexa Brovda, RN, cared for me in Tisch 6 PACU immediately afterward. When I woke up from anesthesia, I was extremely emotional and could not stop crying. I was overwhelmed, in pain, and in a very vulnerable state, and Alexa's kindness and compassion made an enormous difference in that moment. She was incredibly patient with me, reassured me, made sure my pain was properly managed, and never made me feel like anything I needed was an inconvenience.

Alexa also went out of her way to find snacks that I could safely eat despite my food allergies and took the time to keep my husband informed and explain everything to him. These may seem like small things individually, but when you have just come out of surgery and are completely dependent on the people caring for you, they mean so much. She made me feel safe, cared for, and genuinely looked after during a time when I was scared and overwhelmed.

What stood out to me even more was that, as I recovered, I could hear and see how Alexa interacted with her other patients. The same patience, warmth, and attentiveness she showed me was clearly how she treated everyone in her care. I had undergone a similar procedure at another hospital the year before, and the difference in my experience was incredible. Alexa exemplified the kind of nurse you hope will be there when you are at your most vulnerable, and I am incredibly grateful that she was there for me. She deserves recognition not only for the care she provided, but for the genuine compassion with which she provided it.