Emma Purkey
November 2025
Emma
Purkey
,
RN
Acute Rehabilitation Center
Springfield Regional Medical Center
Springfield
,
OH
United States
You listened and reminded him of his strength when he had forgotten, and because of that conversation, because of you, he stayed.
Emma, I received a phone call from a patient you cared for not long ago.
He had just undergone surgery for a brain tumor – something that completely changed his life. When he came in, he was terrified. He told me how he had to give up things he loved most: playing guitar, creating art. He felt lost, and he was ready to leave, but you sat with him. You didn’t just do your job; you saw him. You listened and reminded him of his strength when he had forgotten, and because of that conversation, because of you, he stayed.
Now he is back doing the things he loves – playing guitar, making art, and he even created a piece just for you. He called you a “godsend.” He said that without your encouragement, he never would’ve picked those passions back up again.
That is the kind of impact you have. This is why we do what we do, and you are such a powerful reminder of the compassion and heart that define this team. We are so proud of you and so incredibly grateful to have you here.
He had just undergone surgery for a brain tumor – something that completely changed his life. When he came in, he was terrified. He told me how he had to give up things he loved most: playing guitar, creating art. He felt lost, and he was ready to leave, but you sat with him. You didn’t just do your job; you saw him. You listened and reminded him of his strength when he had forgotten, and because of that conversation, because of you, he stayed.
Now he is back doing the things he loves – playing guitar, making art, and he even created a piece just for you. He called you a “godsend.” He said that without your encouragement, he never would’ve picked those passions back up again.
That is the kind of impact you have. This is why we do what we do, and you are such a powerful reminder of the compassion and heart that define this team. We are so proud of you and so incredibly grateful to have you here.