I entered the Center for an endoscopy, which I was nervous about because it might lead to the detection of esophageal cancer. Bret greeted me at the door with a bright smile and cheerful hello. To me, the tone of her voice conveyed a genuine sentiment, as if she really cared that I was going to get top-notch care that day.

Her gentle tone persisted during the following half hour, during which she prepared me for the procedure. Plus, she kept reassuring me that everything was going to be "okay." She directed me to put my belongings in a bag that she assured me would stay with my bed. She gave me a warm blanket as the room was cold.

She spoke soothingly as she tried to insert the IV. I told her I had small veins, and after the second attempt failed, she called on another nurse to help. I found this to be an outstanding quality: she didn't have to be the best at everything, and she was willing to work with her team. Meanwhile, her soothing voice kept reassuring me that all was well.

She also asked a few friendly personal questions that engaged my attention and distracted me from my nervous thoughts. As she went through the paperwork questions using her calming voice, I became calmer and calmer, and by the time I was prepared for the procedure, I no longer felt nervous. I decided then and there to find a way out of the ordinary to thank her for her outstanding work.

She really made me feel like a special patient, not one of the many who reported that day for procedures. She has a truly excellent bedside manner and is very skilled in comforting patients.

Thank you, Bret, for your outstanding support of a Nervous Nelly.