I recently underwent a massive 12-hour spinal surgery that left me in severe pain throughout my nearly 7-day hospital stay. As you can imagine, this experience tested every bit of my strength and patience. During that difficult time, Nurse Tenney stood out to me as an absolute angel of compassion and professionalism. Every time she entered my room, she went above and beyond to make me feel as comfortable as possible. She never rushed, and always took the time to ensure that every detail was taken care of — from making sure I received my medications on time, to cleaning my room and taking out the laundry, to emptying the trash when it got full. She even brought me ice packs for my arm without being asked and made sure I had pillows to support every part of my body. What meant the most, though, was her kindness and genuine care. Every interaction with her reminded me that she truly cared — not just about doing her job well, but about me as a person. Her compassion, patience, and positive spirit made a painful, difficult recovery feel a little more bearable. Tenney is a true example of what nursing should be: skillful, attentive, and deeply compassionate. I’m beyond grateful for the care she gave me and for the difference she made in my healing journey. Intermountain Medical Center is very lucky to have her.

After a grueling 12-hour spinal surgery and days of pain, I was in one of the hardest states a person can be in — physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and vulnerable. Tenney’s gentle, consistent care gave me a sense of safety and calm when everything else felt overwhelming. By paying attention to the small things (pillows, ice packs, tidying up), she showed that my comfort mattered. That kind of presence makes me, as a patient, feel human again, not just like “another” case. By making sure I took all of my medications on time and kept my body supported with pillows and ice, she likely helped me manage my pain more effectively. A clean room, fresh linens, and consistent attention to your needs reduce stress, promote rest, and lower infection risk, all of which matter for spinal surgery recovery. She turned what could have been a purely miserable and isolating week into one that included comfort, kindness, and hope. Her care didn’t just meet my medical needs; it met my human needs for dignity, compassion, and reassurance.