In a unit where I felt as helpless as a newborn, three nurses were there with skilled care, offering pain control, and helping me navigate very challenging days. Much of that stay is a little foggy. But I clearly remember those fine nurses and the reassurance that I was in skilled and caring hands.

After three days, I was moved to a different unit. The RNs and PCTs who cared for me embodied nursing excellence and compassion. Here is a bit about these magnificent front-line team members: This nurse exuded warmth, enthusiasm, and positive energy whenever she stepped into my room. Caring for a patient’s spirit is such an important part of helping them heal. She made me feel that I would get past those difficult, painful early days. As she took me on my first walks around the unit, she was the perfect cheerleader and encourager.

This nurse: what a terrific nurse! He works the overnight shift. I was having a tough time around 3 am on the second night. He spent time talking with me and getting me settled. I learned some things about this nurse. His first career ended due to unforeseen circumstances. His reset? Going to nursing school! He brings a straightforward, steadying, calm approach to caring for his patients, which was exactly what I needed during those long overnight hours.

This nurse is a veteran nurse. She radiated relaxed good humor, which went a long way towards putting this nervous patient at ease. Her decades as a nurse mean there’s nothing she hasn’t encountered. And when she reassured me that I was doing very well, I believed her. Another example of skilled care for the patient’s spirit and body.

This cheerful, enthusiastic young nurse has truly found her calling. No request was ever a bother. Even though she, like the others, cared for more than one patient, she had a special way of making you feel like you were the “only one”. Bright smile, upbeat personality, and excellent nursing skills.

In addition to these nurses, I wish to commend two PCTs. They have a gift for helping patients through what could be embarrassing and very personal moments. They kept a watchful, caring eye on me, even as they nudged me towards achieving the self-care goals needed for a successful discharge. I truly enjoyed them!

I hope this letter clearly expresses my gratitude and admiration for each of these medical professionals. They are outstanding representatives of the Henry Ford Health System. I am forever glad that I chose to have my surgery at Henry Ford St. John!