I am writing this to express my appreciation for Claudia Trinterud, the OR nurse who was with me at my first surgery, but also for an emergency surgery three weeks later. The operation was unplanned, and by the time I got to the OR, it was late in the day. While in the surgery prep area, I began to feel increasingly anxious and alone. I had a lot of questions and felt overwhelmed. All of a sudden, Claudia came to get me for surgery. Thankfully, she recognized me. She asked me how I was doing because she could see I was weepy and scared. I asked her about sterilization and other questions, and if someone would call my family when this was done.

Immediately, she stopped and went to my surgeon to ask about calling my family and to talk to me about my concerns. They resolved them all, but Claudia could see how uneasy I was. Right before I went under, Claudia grabbed my hand and squeezed it hard and said, “Don’t worry, I’m here.” That’s what I needed. Claudia was so attentive to my fear and loneliness. Her assurance and strong, calm demeanor made me feel I had someone who knew what I needed when I felt vulnerable.