Mariam Abuserieh, BSN, RN

I am writing to formally recognize Nurse Mariam for the exceptional level of care she provided during my recent emergency visit. I was previously admitted to another hospital with a partial small bowel obstruction and discharged after my symptoms temporarily improved. However, I continued experiencing severe symptoms after returning home and felt that my condition had not been fully evaluated. Due to worsening pain and dehydration, I went by ambulance to the emergency room at Palos Hospital. By that point, I was in extreme discomfort, physically depleted, and emotionally overwhelmed.

After spending time in the waiting room despite my condition, they brought me back to a room where Nurse Mariam was assigned to my care. From the moment she entered, her approach stood out. She was immediate, efficient, and genuinely compassionate. I explained my recent admission and concerns. Mariam listened carefully and acted without delay. Despite my severe dehydration, she was able to quickly establish IV access and clearly explained each step she was taking, which helped ease my anxiety during an extremely vulnerable moment. Within minutes, she had begun treatment and administered medication.

One of the most difficult parts of my care was the placement of an NG tube. This was an extremely painful and distressing experience, and I began to have a severe anxiety attack during the procedure. Mariam immediately recognized my distress and responded with urgency and empathy. She advocated for me and ensured I received medication to help calm me down before continuing.

What stood out just as much was her honesty. She did not minimize what I was about to go through. She told me directly that it would not be easy, that it would be uncomfortable, and that I likely would not like it—but that it was necessary for me to get better. That level of transparency built trust in a moment where I felt completely out of control.

Because of her awareness, reassurance, and intervention, I was able to tolerate the procedure, and the NG tube ultimately helped me significantly in my recovery. Her ability to remain calm, attentive, and supportive during such an intense moment made a lasting impact. She treated me with a level of care that felt deeply personal, as if I were her own family member.

What stood out most was not only her clinical skill, but her presence. She treated both me and my mother with kindness, reassurance, and respect at a time when I felt at my lowest. Over the past several months, I have had multiple hospital visits, and I can confidently say that not all care feels the same. Nurse Mariam’s care was different—intentional, compassionate, honest, and truly patient-centered.

Patients do not come to the hospital because they want to—they come because they have no other choice. In those moments, how a healthcare provider shows up matters. Mariam exemplifies what patient care should be: timely, skilled, observant, transparent, and genuinely compassionate.

I am sincerely grateful for the care she provided during one of the most difficult experiences I have faced. Her actions made a lasting impact, and I strongly believe she deserves recognition for the outstanding care she delivers.