Abby has experienced both the challenges and the compassionate care provided by healthcare workers throughout her journey. Her story highlights the profound impact that nurses and healthcare teams can have when they go beyond medical care and offer emotional support, encouragement, and understanding. In this blog, Abby shares some of her most memorable moments with nurses who not only provided life-saving care but also showed her kindness, empathy, and unwavering support.
Continue reading to learn more about how compassionate care has shaped Abby’s experience and why she believes building trust and showing gratitude are essential to a positive healthcare journey.
The Impact of Compassionate Care
When it comes to healthcare, the support of compassionate healthcare workers can make all the difference in a patient’s experience. For me, my nurses have played a crucial role in providing emotional support, comfort, and encouragement during difficult times. Below, I reflect on some of the key moments that have shaped my journey and made me feel truly supported.
A Moment of Comfort in Heartbreak
A specific moment that stands out to me was when my nurse comforted me after hearing the heartbreaking news that my care facility was closing. This news came suddenly, with little notice, and it caused me a great deal of anxiety. My nurses saw the distress it caused me and immediately jumped into action. While I’ve had many great experiences with nurses, this is one I will never forget because it showed me that the care in our relationship went both ways.
The Power of Encouragement and Kind Words
My nurses have always used encouraging words and behaviors to comfort me. They’ve told me how strong I am, how they support me, and how proud they are of me. It may seem like a simple phrase, but hearing that they are there for me and care makes a world of difference. I’m forever grateful for any nurse who shows me that kind of love and support.
Building Trust Through Open Communication
Building trust with my healthcare team came through experience, sharing my stories, being open about my journey, and most importantly, letting them know how I feel. Telling my nurses about past traumatic experiences has allowed them to try and prevent those situations from reoccurring. I also try to show my appreciation for my nurses by making gifts for them on special occasions. I love handmade gifts because they come from me 100% and are something they can remember me by. Nurses deserve to have gratitude shown to them, and it’s a small gesture I can offer in return for all they do. My nurses have always assured me they will take care of me, no matter the time of day, and they’ve made accommodations to ensure I’m taken care of. Knowing they are there when I need them has made the biggest impact on my care.
A Lifeline During Hospital Stays
Every day during my hospital admissions, I felt scared and so alone. But then I met Frank—a kind and wonderful man whose job was to escort kids to physical or occupational therapy. Over time, he became my best friend.
Frank would visit my room anytime I had a break, just to listen. He let me talk, cry, and even complain about therapy when I needed to vent. On days when I was too exhausted, he’d secretly let me take the elevator instead of the stairs, even though I was supposed to walk.
Being inpatient at the hospital can be terrifying, and I was so scared, but Frank showed up every day to remind me it was going to be okay. His job wasn’t to care for patients—he was simply a messenger—but he went out of his way to comfort me. Frank will always hold a special place in my heart because he didn’t have to show me that kindness; he chose to.
A Team Effort: Gratitude for My Entire Healthcare Team
I couldn’t ever choose just one healthcare worker to express my gratitude. One thing I always remind myself is that through all the horrible experiences, the good ones will always outweigh them. Thanking one person wouldn’t be enough because it wasn’t just one person who changed my life—it was a team effort. A team who didn’t give up on me, a team who saw me as me, and a team who cared about more than just statistics. If I could send one message to any nurse who has positively affected me, it would be to tell them how much they’ve truly meant to me. They may not see it as much, but letting them know the impact they’ve made can encourage them to continue doing the work they do and provide the best care for others.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude That Lasts
Through all the difficult experiences, the good ones with my nurses have always outweighed the bad. Their compassion, support, and dedication to my well-being have made a lasting impact on me, and I will forever be grateful for the care they’ve given me. Thank you to all the healthcare workers who have made such a meaningful difference in my life. Your kindness does not go unnoticed, and you truly make a difference.
Follow Abby on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
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