I have worked at UNC Rockingham since it was Morehead. I even did my clinicals here in 2006! But this particular day, it was my turn to be the patient, one thing I have no idea how to be. I was scheduled for a surgical procedure with an overnight stay. A routine procedure, but I was so nervous. The farther into the pre-op I got, the more anxious I became. Everyone was wonderful. They were all people I've known for years, my family. They all stopped by my stretcher to say hello, so I knew I wasn't alone, but I continued to have overwhelming anxiety. Then came my nurse.

I have known her for years. We worked together on the 4th floor when it was open, and she was even my charge nurse at one time. She came and stayed with me right up until it was time to go back and talked with me to keep my mind off things. As a nurse myself, I knew she had countless things to do to get ready for her day, but she took the time to stay there with me and keep me calm when I really needed it. She recognized I needed a friendly face and a calming voice at that moment. I know she does that for all her patients, but I will never forget how it made me feel. I very much needed that at that moment. She has a special heart for people and for nursing and goes out of her way to show that.