I met Julie on a quiet Sunday, and the referring acute care hospital hadn’t contacted IRH to inform them of our impending arrival. Julie met me and was very calm as she asked me some questions with a non-threatening tone, which reassured me. She then left the lobby, telling me to wait there for a few minutes before returning with a wheelchair and room number for my husband. She then assisted him from the car to the wheelchair and brought him to his room.

The nurse who was assigned to him then began the admission process. It was seamless as they both worked together. I felt that he was going to do well as he recovered from this craniotomy. It was such a good feeling.

Julie continued to visit us during his 5-day stay, often assisting my husband to the bathroom, answering our questions, or in pleasant conversations. She very calmly and effectively listened to his dislikes of the bed and chair alarm. She showed the rationale in a very empathetic way. She also verbalized how she read that he was working very hard in his therapies and to be hopeful about not needing the chair alarm. The bed alarm would stay until discharge as is because that is the practice for all patients.

He really appreciated her explanation as she sought to have a trusting relationship with patients. Her warm smile and authentic persona are so therapeutic and certainly just what we needed. I imagine she is like this with all the patients/families. I am glad she is the Nursing Supervisor, as her influence will positively impact other staff to strive to provide quality care. I am so glad she was there when we needed someone just like her. She is a healer.