Nurse Marcie was my nurse before and after my spine surgery. She made the biggest impression on my husband and I, and I cannot say enough about how much she truly went above and beyond to care for me. I was in quite a bit of pain and discomfort after surgery. I mentioned to Marcie that, as a Native Hawaiian, listening to Hawaiian music brings me peace and ease. She asked me to tell her who my favorite artist was, and I told her it was Gabby Pahinui. The next thing I knew, Marcie found his music and began softly playing it on the computer in my room. She then brought me warm blankets, dimmed the lights, and assured me that I was okay. This moved me to tears (and still does today when I think back on it). I felt like I was at home, and being cared for by one of my aunties. While the music may have been one seemingly small task for Marcie, it was that little detail that meant the world to me and completely changed my mindset and comfort.

Later in the day, when I was in pain and not stable enough to go home, she advocated for me to stay overnight. This made me feel so relieved, as she assured me not to worry and that their team would be there to care for me until I was comfortable enough to go home. She worked so hard throughout the day to find just the right combination of medications that my body would respond well to, and she never ever got frustrated or made me feel like I was a burden. I cannot say enough about how much it meant to me to receive that level of excellent care.

Marcie was like a ray of sunshine every time she came into my room, smiling and reassuring. Her compassion and empathy were invaluable during a time when I was feeling especially vulnerable and uncertain about what the next few hours after surgery would be like. She made a tremendous impact on my experience, and her humanity, thoughtfulness, and compassion are quite honestly something I will never forget.