I never thought I would end up in the hospital with a heart condition. I felt a sharp pain in my chest and numbness in my left arm. I knew something was wrong, so I came to the ER.

There, they did some tests and blood work. They transferred me to the CIU department, where I would stay for the next four days. I was scared and anxious, not knowing what was wrong and what would happen to me.

I had to undergo several procedures, such as an echocardiogram, two CT scans, an MRI, a stress test, and a heart catheterization. It was overwhelming and exhausting, but I was lucky to have a team of nurses who took care of me with compassion and professionalism. They were all wonderful, but there was one nurse who stood out from the rest. Her name was Nahomi Moya.

The first time Nahomi came into my room, she was with another nurse whom she was training, and she introduced herself and explained what they were going to do. She asked me questions about my symptoms, my medical history, and my medications. She went over my chart with me and made sure I understood everything. She was very thorough and attentive, and she had a warm and friendly smile that made me feel at ease.

Someone had mistakenly put in my chart that I had type 2 diabetes and that I needed insulin. I told her that I never had diabetes and that I never took insulin. She verified my A1C blood results were good. She made sure that the other nurses knew about this error. She said that they would still monitor my blood sugar regularly and that I did not need any insulin as long as my blood sugar level was good.

She also explained to me what tests I had to do and what they were for. She told me what to expect and how to prepare. She was very patient and clear, and answered all my questions. She also checked on me regularly and made sure I was comfortable and pain-free. She brought me food and water as soon as I was allowed to eat, and she helped me with my personal needs. She was always kind and empathetic, and she made me feel like I was not alone.

This was a risky procedure I had to do, and I was very nervous about it. Nahomi explained to me that if they went through the groin, it is a higher risk for recovery after the procedure. I would need to lay flat without moving anywhere from 2-6 hours and the potential risks if I moved or sat up.

I was extremely nervous since my sciatic nerve acts up and I need to move my leg, I am quite fidgety, and I sleep on my side. I even said to her maybe we should just strap my legs down. She told me she would see what options we had, and she would do everything possible to assist me in ensuring that I remain lying flat, including checking on me more frequently.

But what really impressed me was how she advocated for me to the cardiologist who was going to perform the heart catheterization. I had no idea that she had done this. I found out after the procedure that not only does this cardiologist prefer to do this procedure from entering the artery in the groin area, but that she spoke with him and convinced him to try to go through the wrist first. Which he did, and it was successful.

She said that she had requested this for me because she wanted me to have the best possible outcome. Every interaction I had with Nahomi I felt she cared about me, and that she was there for me. I was so touched and grateful for what she did for me.

She went above and beyond her duty, and she showed me that she was not just a nurse, but a hero. Thanks to her, the heart catheterization went smoothly, and I had no blockages in my arteries. I felt a huge relief, and I knew I was going to be okay.

Nahomi was the best nurse I ever had, and I will never forget her. She deserves the DAISY Award, and much more. She is an extraordinary nurse, and a wonderful person and I will always be thankful to her.

She is truly the definition of what a Nurse should be. She is extending the healing ministry of Christ.