My sister was brought in by ambulance to the ER.  My thoughts were that she would get fluids and antibiotics and recover. Never, ever would I have thought that I would be told that she was not going to live.  I cannot begin to describe the hurt that I felt.  Her blood pressure was not stable enough for transport to hospice, so we were placed in a room in Oncology.  
       
This nurse came in and introduced herself.  She displayed a quality of confidence and assurance, openness, and caring that I had never witnessed before.  She checked my sister and explained everything that was happening.  She always took the time to talk with me about what she was doing and why.  
       
This nurse also knew that I had been with my sister for almost 24 hours, mostly spent in the ER.  She left and came back with 2 small water bottles and told me that I needed to drink them.  Each time she checked on my sister, she also checked on me and the water I was supposed to be drinking.  She informed me that I wasn’t drinking enough and would make me drink while she was there.  At one point, my husband and all 4 of my adult children, spouses included, were there with me. Everyone stayed as long as they could, but soon, I was alone again.
       
I cannot explain how upset I was.  At one point, this nurse walked in the door, placed her hands on her hips, and asked where everyone was.  I was sitting beside my sister, holding her hand and crying.  I told the nurse that all my kids had to go to work.  She asked where my husband was.  I told her I sent him home to eat and rest. She did not say a word, just left the room.
       
About 5 minutes later, my husband called and said he was headed back to the hospital.  This nurse told my husband that I was alone, upset, and not drinking water, and he needed to be here with me.  I will be honest, at first, I was a little upset. Then, shortly thereafter, this nurse comes back to the room.  I stood up, tears running down my face, and I asked, “Did you call my husband?”  Hands back on her hips, she answered, “Yes, I did!”  My heart melted.  No one else had seen me!  No one else saw the burden that I was carrying!  But this nurse did!
       
This nurse washed and turned my sister before her shift ended. She brought more water and asked that I drink it before she returned the next day.  This nurse knew that I was going to be dehydrated and unable to be with my sister if I did not drink that water.  She cares for her patients better than anyone I have ever encountered.  But she also cares for the family.
       
My children obviously noticed how awesome this nurse was as well.  My youngest daughter called the next morning and asked if this nurse was her aunt’s nurse again.  When I told her she was, my daughter’s response was that the nurse is “the bomb!”  My daughter said, “Mom, I am so happy that you have ‘this nurse’ with you and Aunt J!”
       
I cannot tell you how blessed we were to be placed in Oncology while they were stabilizing my sister’s blood pressure so she could be transferred to hospice.  We had the most caring, efficient, strong, hardworking nurse watching over us all.  This nurse is extraordinary and deserves so much more than this letter will give.
       
My sister passed away at Hospice.  Thankfully, everyone there was wonderful too, but I would put this nurse at the top!  This nurse is a huge asset to your hospital, the Oncology Unit, to families, and patients that you serve.  Please tell her “thank you” for me.  May God bless her as she continues to bless others.  And let her know that I am drinking my water!