Ms. Lexi worked on my floor for an overnight shift. I had already had a very difficult and traumatic day, been in tears off and on all day, and had been battling within myself over whether or not to leave AMA. And honestly, even when one got there, I was already putting together my plan and was certain that sometime in the night, I was going to sign out. I’m a human trafficking survivor of 21 years with a personality disorder, and I already had so much anxiety feeling controlled. Medicines weren’t really helping either. Now, with that being said, it is only because of the compassionate, caring kindness of this extraordinary nurse that I am still sitting in my room, and it's now the next morning. It wasn’t the medicines that did it.

It was Ms. Lexi showing care and concern, checking on me every couple of hours for 10 minutes to see how I was doing or to chat with me, treating me like a human being, and not once did she speak to or at me. But she talked with me. Not as if one was my authority or my boss or in control, but as if she was partnering with me in my treatment and coming alongside me. Although I didn't sleep at all, my nerves are much calmer. She kept attentive to my basic needs of hunger, thirst, pain, anxiety, coping skills, and found me stuff to write on, and this is why I am still here, feeling much more hopeful and positive that I can make it to my discharge date. Because one made me feel heard! I just want to say, as a survivor, that’s essential and heartwarming. Causing me to believe in myself more. So thank you!