I had the pleasure of having Lakshmi as a nurse during my stay. She took great care of me and was so very attentive. One of the reasons I feel that she should be acknowledged is because she shone as a mentor. She had a student nurse with her and I was able to observe the pride she took in passing her knowledge on to the next generation of nurses. It was apparent that she possessed a great knowledge base, and when I or the nursing student asked a question, she thoughtfully crafted a response. Within that, she took great care to listen to my concerns and ensure she followed through. She was quick to answer when I asked to see her, and she checked in on me often and contacted the doctor for orders when needed. I watched as she patiently guided her student, allowing her freedom to learn but also keeping close watch. To me her skills shine and not many are able to navigate with ease and expertise like she did. 

She picked up on my "unspoken preferences" with things like the curtain being closed and other seemingly “trivial” things that do not seem like they would make a difference, but in reality, they made all the difference. Those “small” quirks specific to me that she would address with each visit to my room helped me to feel seen. To me, it confirmed that she cared enough to pay attention and provide individual care. It made me a person and not just a patient.

Thank you, Lakshmi, for seeing me. Thank you for caring enough to pay attention to the little details about me and personalize my care. Thank you for caring enough to mentor the next generation of nurses. It was a joy to watch you pass on your knowledge and guide your student nurse with such care and love. I appreciate you staying on top of my pain needs and getting needed changes for my symptoms. You made being hospitalized easier.