After being settled into my room and seeing everyone who needed to speak with me, I began my pre-surgery waiting period, which seemed like time was crawling at a snail's pace. I was nervous not only about the test but its end result. I knew God was by my side, and I focused on this. Then Susan came in, introduced herself, and informed me that she would be one of the nurses in the operating room with me. I remember Susan was confident, had a warm smile, was upbeat, and had a very positive attitude. She explained the details of the procedure that would occur in the operating room. When I asked questions, she was very patient answering them. She told me I might feel some leg cramping after the surgery, but assured me she would be massaging my legs every two minutes. I laughed and commented that this was the first time I'd be getting a free massage; Susan also laughed. Susan also stressed how important it was to go into surgery with a positive attitude and not to worry. I don't remember everything else Susan said verbatim along these lines, but peace came over me, and I was ready.
Susan took the time to put me in the right frame of mind. Directly after our interaction, the anesthesia provider gave me an intravenous shot, and within seconds I fell asleep. When I awoke, I was back in the recovery room, feeling groggy. After a week, I recovered and started thinking about my encounter with all the nurses and my doctor, who took such good care or me. I wondered if Susan realized the impact she had on me. Aside from knowing what was expected of her in the operating room, Susan intuitively sensed what I needed; and by using some humor, concern and detailed information, she managed to calm me. What skills Susan exhibited and what gift's Susan gives to her patients! I knew others were just as fortunate as me to have brief but significant encounters with Susan. For this, I would like to thank Susan. She is a nurse every patient would be blessed to have!