Deonne Wright, RN

Deonne has been my nurse for about a year now, and this past year has been one of my hardest (that's saying a lot!). I have a very complicated medical situation, but it's one of those mostly invisible illnesses, and a lot of providers can be really dismissive with things like this, but she's always expressed true empathy, even for the things that are just my 'normal' that I sometimes forget are actually kind of awful to a 'regular' person.

My living situation has been tumultuous at best due to being at odds politically with my parents, to a point that I have become alienated in my own home that I own, and while we don't discuss politics, of course, Deonne has been the wonderful, crucial support I've really needed, allowing me to vent and responding with kindness and empathy, as well as checking in to make sure I feel safe at home. Listening with empathy is a skill and quality that should never be underestimated in healthcare. She doesn't know this, but I was in a very bleak place when she was initially assigned to me, and I was not sure if I wanted to continue to live. I've adjusted my perspective since and am looking for an alternative situation and a path forward with some renewed faith in humanity. I largely attribute that to Deonne as well as my caregivers. We've shared many laughs, and that is some of the best medicine! Turns out that what I needed most was more people in my life who treat me like an actual person.