I had a laparoscopic procedure at Meadville Medical Center, which was my first experience with surgery. As someone who is very anxious, specifically around sedation and anesthesia, I was very nervous during the preparation for surgery. When Stephanie came to my bedside to tell me she was going to be with me in the OR, her calm, kind, empathetic bedside manner was exactly what I needed. Prior to this, nurses had tried to make me feel better about the procedure, but it was Stephanie who took the time to find out why this was so hard for me. She wanted to know more about what I was feeling, how I've been able to work through situations like this in the past. She came up with strategies to help with my anxiety before, during, and after the procedure. She talked with my husband to gain more background. Stephanie shared my situation with the anesthesia and recovery teams, so there was continuity with my care. I remember her introducing me to everyone, so I wasn't in a room full of strangers when I was sedated or when I woke up. She went above and beyond to not only do her job but to ensure that I was going to have a positive experience in a very anxiety-provoking situation. As I reflect on my surgery and the day in its entirety, the staff at Liberty Street Surgery was wonderful. However, Stephanie stands out as the staff member who respected my anxiety, took the time to understand me and my fears on an individual level, and created a plan to help from the time she introduced herself to my next steps of recovery. While she was there to care for my physical needs, Stephanie went above and beyond to care for my mental and emotional needs, too, and that did not go unnoticed.