I’ve always had a goal to make another person’s day better than it was. Despite the challenges, the pain they are experiencing, or whatever they are facing I am there for all of my patients. Sometimes we all need help or a simple someone to talk to. I find healing in communication and connections. I hope that I can provide that to my patients.

A past patient of mine really stood out to me. I happened to pass by and introduce myself. That simple hello started a great conversation, to better put it, a much needed conversation. During these uncertain times, Covid impacts everyone. The patient had just undergone surgery. I could tell they needed someone to talk to. Throughout our conversation we talked about their dog, the beach, and all things that made them happy. I wanted the patient to smile. I knew they needed a laugh and a smile. It meant so much to me that I had that time to talk with this patient and we could connect on a lot. Their words and our conversation really impacted me. No matter the length of the conversation or the context, a simple notice of them, changed their day.

 After our laughs and as the conversation neared end because I had to go catch up to my nurse, the patient looked at me and said “you’re going to be a great nurse one day, I really needed someone to talk to because I was feeling a bit depressed, and you are so kind and sweet.” I’ll never forget those words. I was able to change the way someone was feeling because of a simple act of communication and acknowledgement. I listened while she explained how she was feeling, what made her happy, and what she had to look forward to when she went home. It was important that I didn’t focus all the conversation on what she was going through, but that she had things to look forward to at home and in her life. I know that I helped her that day and made her day better than it was. It’s as simple as that, and I knew I made a difference with this patient, and they made a difference with me.