I was waiting in the pre-op area with my husband and my mom, preparing for emergency lower back surgery after what had been a very scary and difficult 24 hours. Emotions were high, and understandably, we were all anxious. Then Emma walked in. She immediately greeted us with such warmth and kindness. I remember her smile, her calm presence, and how she introduced herself and immediately reassured us that there was a great team in the OR and that I would be in excellent hands. I watched my mom visibly exhale-a deep sigh of relief- because of Emma's simple but powerful reassurance. That moment meant more than I can fully express.
After saying goodbye to my husband and mom, Emma began wheeling me back to the OR. As my nerves started to rise again, she noticed right away and gently reassured me once more. She explained what to expect when we got to the OR, offered to answer any questions I had about the equipment, and told me she would walk me through each step. Her confidence, clarity, and compassion completely changed my experience in that moment.
Emma made a lasting impact on me, not only as a patient but also as a fellow nurse and healthcare professional. She is a powerful example of the heart of nursing and a reminder that brief interactions can leave a lifelong impression.
Please extend my deepest gratitude to Emma for the care she provided to me and the comfort she gave to my family. She is a wonderful representation of the nursing profession and the care we aim to provide at IU Health.