I would like to recognize Rachel, the emergency room nurse who cared for me during two visits to the ER this past weekend following my surgery. I came into the ER on Saturday and again on Sunday, and by chance, Rachel was my nurse both times.

On Sunday, she immediately recognized what would help my severe nausea and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. Her clinical awareness and quick response meant so much in that moment.

What I will remember most, however, is how she cared for me when my situation suddenly became extremely serious. After a CT scan revealed a life-threatening complication, everything began happening very quickly. I was terrified, overwhelmed, and struggling to process what was going on as preparations were made to transfer me by ambulance to Reno for emergency care.

In the middle of all that fear and chaos, Rachel was my rock. She spoke to me calmly, explained things in a way I could understand, and stayed present with me through a moment that felt incredibly frightening and uncertain. Her compassion, reassurance, and kindness helped ground me when I felt completely overwhelmed.

Rachel’s professionalism and genuine care made an unforgettable difference during one of the most frightening nights of my life. I am deeply grateful for the way she supported me, not only as a patient but as a person who was scared and needed someone steady beside them.

She truly embodies the kind of nurse every patient hopes to have in a moment of crisis.