I started my hysterectomy journey with Nurse Rudi at 0700 hours, when she took me back to the PACU and explained she would be my primary nurse for the day. Rudi wound up staying with me until I was admitted overnight at 2130 hours that night. She worked at least 14 ½ hours and closed the PACU that night, with me as her very last patient.

Despite missing dinner and likely lunch, Rudi never complained; conversely, she focused her indefatigable energy on keeping my spirits up when I experienced a post-surgery complication from the anesthesia, where my bladder wouldn’t void correctly, and tirelessly advocated for me by keeping open communications going with my doctor. She was resourceful, creative, and the utmost professional as she employed every possible method to help me void on my own, making me laugh and feel at ease during the process. At no point did she try to rush me, even as the shift changed.

When it was clear my body couldn’t void, Nurse Rudi proactively messaged my doctor, relayed my options, and fully supported my right as a patient to choose how to proceed. Rudi also took the time to explain my doctor’s notes advising my bladder had adhered to a wall of excised scar tissue, and reassured me. I chose to be admitted for the night.

Rudi scanned my bladder once more and then expertly reinserted the catheter. She quickly coordinated everything to get me a room. When the escorts became overwhelmed with ER patients, Nurse Rudi transferred me to a rolling bed and escorted me up to the 5th floor so I wouldn’t be delayed any further, bringing my exhausting day to an end.

I’m nominating Nurse Rudi because of her incredible dedication and the numerous actions she took to ensure my well-being throughout my marathon day. Nurse Rudi went above and beyond in every way. She made me feel safe and confident that I would be okay. I thank the universe for assigning me to Nurse Rudi and for her outstanding professionalism and compassion.