Last week, I was in recovery after my prostate removal surgery. All of the nursing staff were kind and compassionate. However, I feel Shante was the angel God sent me to get through a very difficult couple of hours on night one when I was transitioning from sedation to oral medications.

Although it was a busy night, Shante stayed by my side, reached out to the on-call doctor calmly and professionally, and followed the procedure while also showing a great deal of concern and compassion. She spent time keeping my mind off the pain by talking to me about other things. Through touch, and through listening to and allowing me to do what was needed to get as comfortable as possible. At a time when everyone is expected to check their dignity at the door, she allowed me as much privacy as possible while still staying close enough to act if needed.

I know nurses are typically high-character individuals, but I felt a warmth in Shante that I had not experienced from others.

At 68 years old, this was my first hospital stay since birth, and although I hope to never return, Shante made my stay as good as possible while I was there.