I was the victim of a severely violent crime where I was shot by an unknown man. I obviously had severe PTSD and did not know why this man had tried to kill me. I also did not know he was in the same unit, making threats against my life. Lorraine not only provided me with the best care, but she also treated me with respect and kindness and advocated for me as her patient to protect me in all ways. She called my mom and notified my family in front of me so I could hear my mom’s voice as she was worried I wouldn’t make it until my second surgery. I felt safe when she was in my presence and knew she had my back. After such a horrific event, feeling safe was my number one priority. She could see my heart rate would skyrocket when a man would walk in the room, and she helped suggest that I receive only female providers. This helped me heal both mentally and physically. After I was moved to the Trauma unit, she came and visited me to see how I was doing and it meant so much to me. Lorraine is truly the best nurse at IMC, and she deserves recognition. She went above and beyond and did not have to come check on me multiple times after I was not under her care.

I was able to see my family in such a dire time because she fought to notify them, which was the right thing to do. She made me feel safe above all else and advocated for me as if I were part of her family and not just a job. She had a level of professionalism and empathy, given my situation, that no other nurse during my 26-day stay at IMC had. Lorraine is the best nurse ever and I’m so grateful I had her during the scariest moments of my life. She shredded all the papers I was writing and was protective of me when police and FBI were speaking to me, knowing I was the victim of a violent crime. Truly patient-first above all else care. I am so grateful to God that I had her as my nurse.

All nurses should embody the characteristics Lorraine exhibits. Kindness, empathy, and patient-first care. She was able to read through a very complicated situation and advocate for my needs when I was unable to advocate for myself. I am forever grateful for her.