Nursing

As clinical director, I was called in to cover the admission nurse position unexpectedly. I didn't have time to stop and get my usual cup of cappuccino. As I admitted one of my patients, his wife mentioned going to Starbucks for her morning "fix." I mentioned I was a cup or two behind myself, and when I next got to my office, there was a cup of hot cappuccino awaiting me from my patient's wife.

Kathy Taylor, RN
Kettering, OH

After a very busy shift, a veteran patient called me to his bedside and gave me a pin that read "120%." His sergeant had given them the pins in basic training to encourage them to go above and beyond at all times. He said he'd watched me during his time in the ED, and I had truly earned the pin that day. It brought tears to my eyes. I still have the pin, and am honored to wear it at my current job.

I received a beautiful cut lead-crystal vase. I have since kept fresh cut flowers in it at all times to remind me of the kindness of our patients, who go through tremendous ordeals during treatment.

Sharon D'Uva, BSN, RN, MHA
Dallas, TX

My patient had been displaced because of Hurricane Charlie. Her sons lived in Hawaii, and were advised their mother was ill. I communicated with them via phone until they could get to her bedside. She lasted long enough to see her family. After she died, her sons returned to the CCU with gift certificates to a local spa for manicures, pedicures, and massages. I was only doing my job, not looking for a gift. I still have that gift certificate to remind me of that patient and her family.

Anne Acosta, RN
Brandon, FL

I have been a nurse for almost 20 years and have received my share of coffee cups, cookies and compliments, but the nicest thing a patient has ever done to show his or her appreciation is to actually take something I've taught them, put it into use, and benefit from it. For me, that is where the real satisfaction of nursing comes from.

I have taught oncology patients how to cope with pain and nausea; home health recipients and their families how to cope with aging and a variety of illnesses; cardiac surgery patients how to regain their function and stamina post-op; and now, with adolescents in a behavioral health facility, how to develop better coping strategies for life. It's quite a thing to have a 14-year-old girl call you and say, “Hey, Miss Leah, I haven't cut myself for 42 days now!” after discharging them with high hopes and grave concerns. You can keep your compliments and tokens of appreciation, all you patients out there. Just do what I say—and get well!

Leah Trim, RN
Tulsa, OK

Maybe I remember this patient more clearly because he was one of my very first patients when I started working here in America. I called him my first real cowboy patient. After a year of having had the opportunity to take care of this 80-year-old gentleman and despite the obvious changes in his memory, he remembered me, my name, my race, how I cared for him, and my answers when he inquired about some aspects of being in America. His family informed me that he rambled on and on and on about his wonderful nurse. It was touching to know that we can be remembered . . . for the things that we do.

Hazel Domingo, RN
Victoria County, TX

I had a patient that knew my first name, but contacted our Human Resource Department and my manager for my last name. He inquired as to our hospital policy for what he could do to show his appreciation for the care I had given. He had praised and complimented me to our HR Department, my manager, and other nurses on our floor and other floors. He brought a very large meat platter to our floor while I was there (it was for everyone), gave me a heart-touching card with his story of surviving, and the warmest visit! I touched his heart and, in his words, “saved his life,” but he has really touched my heart and made me realize how much I love nursing.

Karen Wildberger, RN
Sanford, FL

On Valentine's Day I was taking a sweet 103-year-old lady's blood pressure. After I was done, she asked how it was. I informed her of the reading and she smiled, gave me a big hug and a kiss on my cheek. I will always treasure this moment, for she recently passed away.

Myra Keeler, RN
Bismarck, ND

I had been working with an oncology patient for about two months. Even if he was not my patient, I always made it a point to offer him a heating pad, pain medicine, or simply say hello. I often joked with his two sons and his wife. One day I asked him if he remembered my name so he could call if he wanted anything. He stated “John” with a thick Middle Eastern accent. I smiled and said “Okay, I have been called much worse.” His son began crying. He then explained to me that in his culture, you call someone you consider your very close family, someone you would willing give up your life for, “John.” I sat down and cried with the family. They invited me to their house when the patient was well enough to leave. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I will forever be honored to be called “John.”

“TCaniano,” RN
Fairfield, NJ

I received a lovely note from one of my patients that says, “Dear Lycett, No one can appreciate your help more than myself. Thanks for your encouragement. Sincerely, ———.” This note touched my heart so much, I keep it opened in my clipcase all the time.

Lycett Ritchie, RN
Houston, TX

One of my patients is totally blind. We recently had a music program and she trusted me enough to dance a waltz and a two-step with me. Later she said “Joan, tonight I forgot I could not see.”

Joan Martin, RN, BSN
Jamestown, ND

My patient to this day still sends me a Nurses Day card and Christmas card every year since he was diagnosed with MD over 10 years ago.

Susan Moeller, RN
Ft. Myers, FL

In 2003, I worked in the Bay City Medical Center in Bay City, Michigan. During that time, three of my patients have written letters to the administration referencing the care I provided. Most memorable is the fact that I received a Christmas card from them that year. I continue to receive cards from them to this day.

Diane Bollinger, RN, BSN, ACLS, TTNC
Lebanon, PA

I have worked in dialysis for 20 years, initially as a patient care technician, then assisted through nursing school by the company for which I worked. I had been treating the same patients (generally) for about nine years and had grown quite close to a few. As I struggled through nursing school, my patients were very supportive. One in particular, whom I shall call Susan, asked me each time she saw me how it was going. She really cared about me and my success in my endeavors. Many times I was overwhelmed, and she was there with a smile and a hug. Just before I was to graduate, Susan passed away. I was pretty devastated, but as I remembered, she always told me that I could do it, and she was so proud of me. Well, I did graduate with honors. I went to Susan's memorial service, which was very tough, but I did it for her and her family, not for me. A few days later, Sandy (her daughter) called me and said Susan had bought me a gift many months before and wanted me to have it when I graduated. I went to their home and she gave me a gold caduceus. It is a small charm that I constantly wear on a gold chain around my neck. I think of her so often and know that I had support and love through a very challenging time in my life. Thank you for allowing me to share this story.

Mary C. Henderson, RN, MSN, MBA, HCA, CNN
Post Falls, ID

I had an OB patient send me a gift certificate to have a massage. She wrote a wonderful note letting me know how much she appreciated the many times I talked to her on the phone to reassure her about her pregnancy. I had three sons and she was now having her third son. She said it was nice to know you could survive three boys! It was a very thoughtful gift.

Debbie Gallemore, RN
High Point, NC

This was a few years ago. I was requested by a church member to be the nurse in the operating room for her procedure. The circumstances allowed me to remain in close contact with the patient and family throughout her illness and death. The patient's family acknowledged me as the nurse that was there for their mother and for the family at her funeral. I felt honored.

Paula Jones, RN
Winston Salem, NC

A three-year-old brain tumor patient made a handprint as a thank-you for helping her with her cancer treatments. On her last day while sitting in her stroller, she said, “You come here,” and she took my picture with a camera phone, then said, “I got it.”

Josie Sam, BSN, MSN, OCN, RN, CLNC
Houston, TX

After several days of caring for an elderly open heart patient, he wrote all his contact information on a slip of paper and pressed it into my hand. He stated, “If you ever need anything at all in your life, you keep this and you let me know.” I was so touched by his generosity while being so ill that I was reduced to tears. His appreciation was simply overwhelming and reminded me that my actions as a nurse really do impact lives in so many ways.

Sheila Wengryniuk, RN,BSN,PCCN
Stamford, CT

I have had patients and their families give me flowers and gift cards in appreciation for the care I provided. However, what I treasure the most are the letters I've received telling me what a difference I made in their lives, especially during difficult times. I've saved these letters as a reminder to myself of why I chose nursing!

Janene Filarecki, RN, BSN
Thornton, CO

The hug from a pediatric patient, who was in the ED with their parent who was the patient. The child, a preschooler, remembered me from a previous visit when he was ill that required me to assess, start an IV, draw blood, and provide other care. On the third or fourth interaction with the parent, he ran up to me and gave me a big hug. It was his mom who explained our previous interaction.

Mary Kay Kasuba, RN, MSN
Pittsfield, MA

Many years ago as a student nurse, I was working in a small rural hospital. A young boy had sustained a hand injury in a water-skiing accident in which he lost several of his fingers. I happened to be in the ED and was the first staff to see his hand. I didn’t turn away from looking at him or his injury, but rather gave him words of encouragement. Basically I said, yes, you have lost a finger or two, but you are still who you are as a valuable person. Don't allow this misfortune to change how you feel about yourself or what you want to do in life. About six months later, I received a letter from this boy. He thanked me for accepting him and his damaged hand, which helped him to accept the loss and move forward with a positive attitude. He said I had made the difference for him. That was 39 years ago, and I still keep that letter in my jewelry box. It is a diamond that shines for me—the reason I became a nurse.

Connie Carroll, RN, BSN, MHA
Sacramento, CA

The patients on a Behavioral Health Unit, wrote me a poem, and sang it to me accompanied by music! The entire unit sang for me! The poem was entitled, “Tracey the Med Nurse” (sung to “Puff the Magic Dragon”):

Tracey the coolest med nurse

Works part of the time.

She doles out drugs and bandages

And make us feel so fine.

Tracey the coolest med nurse

Helps all inpatients well.

She talks and heals and checks on us

She is really swell.

One fine day before Easter in 2004

Tracey was my contact nurse

And better than ever before.

She cared for me and medicated me

And then I wanted more

Tracey was my contact and nurse

And better than ever before

The experience brought tears to my eyes!!

Tracey A. Bergeron, RN,C, HD, RN,BC
Portsmouth, NH

A couple days after Christmas, a patient I had two months prior brought in her baby for me to see and a picture mug for me to have. I was truly touched.

Deborah Sheldon, RN
Federal Way, WA

I received a card with an angel on the front, but it was what the patient wrote on the inside that made me really feel good. He said, “I knew you were an angel sent from God because I saw your halo.” It may sound corny, but it made my day.

Jessica Parkyn, RN, C, ONC, BS
Williamsport, PA

One of my patient's moms sent me an email just letting me know how much she appreciated my help. It was brief and to the point, but the fact that she took the time to tell me encouraged me. It was a wonderful reminder that nurses are appreciated and needed in communities.

Meredith McKnight, RN, CDE
Augusta, GA

A patient that I took care of after surgery this past November brought a gift of Arbonne Spa products as a Christmas gift for me as a token of his gratitude for my care and professionalism.

Marsia Molli, RN
Akron, OH

I was doing home care with medically fragile children. Following a two-week stint with a three-year-old whose full-time caregiver was on vacation, the child and his mother gave me flowers in a rainbow mug. Another time, while caring for another young child, one of my cats died. The next evening, the family of the child I was caring for bought me a beautiful male kitten. However, the nicest thing that happened to me as a nurse was when I was working in dialysis and I met a wonderful man who I began dating (after I left the employment of the clinic) and who I later married. He was the love of my life and bought me the greatest joy.

Susan L. Klump, LPN
West Allis, WI

The greatest thing a person has done for me to show his or her appreciation is to give me a big hug.

Sonia Fuller, RN
Manteca, CA

My specialty is Labor and Delivery; I have been working L and D since graduation from nursing school in 1978. When I initially began working L and D, there were no epidurals for pain management. There was the occasional IM narcotic for pain; however, narcotics were often not ordered for late stages of labor in order to avoid causing respiratory depression in the newborn. The “saddle block” was available, but only once the patient was ready for delivery ("saddle blocks” were administered in the Delivery Room by the OB). The RN was responsible for coaching the patient and working with the family as part of bedside nursing care.

There was one couple I worked with that I will never forget. After much coaching and hard work by the patient and husband, she delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl. As is usual in L and D, I inquired about what name the couple had chosen for their daughter. They looked at me and then the patient said, “We had a name picked out, but we have changed our minds. We are going to name her Barbara, after you, because you helped us so much.” So somewhere, there is a “Barbara” in her late thirties who was actually named after the Labor and Delivery nurse!

Barbara Russell, RNC
Safety Harbor, FL

The greatest form of gratitude or reciprocity a patient can exhibit is to engage in behaviors that extend their health and exhibit a genuine interest in learning and being involved in their health and the health of family members. When I see a patient change their belief systems and/or behaviors to those that are in sync with their best health interest it validates to me that our healthcare team is providing competent care and engaging in a productive relationship with our patients.

Adriane Carrier, RN
Oxnard, CA

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