Nora blew my mind with her calm gentle ways. I felt like she was my best friend and she loved my brother like I did. Nurses have the tendency to take charge, keep the patient and family informed of what is going on, but Nora was different. Nora let me express what I thought my brother was going through and verified my medical concerns. For example, my brother had a fever and I asked Nora what should we do, she explained so compassionately the process my brother was going through and treating the fever would not allow the natural process to occur for my brother. I felt such relief knowing Nora listened to me and validated my concerns. Nora did get a warm blanket for my brother and me, which was so amazing a simple blanket meant so much. It is always the little things that you don't forget. Nora always knocked on the door when entering my brother's room, which provided me with privacy allowing me to call the interactions. Nora always had her eyes on my brother and she would never forget about me, she would ask me, "what can I do for you?" Talk about feeling special as a patient's family member.
Nora made a very scary tragic time in our lives a very loving and tender experience I was able to share not only with my brother but with Nora as well. Nora has a very calming effect, nothing went unnoticed with Nora. Nora would come over right away when I would call her. I would notice something different with my brother and Nora would tell me great job and reassured me the process he was going through was normal and my brother was in no pain. She communicated in such a comforting way, which relaxed and supported me. I also noticed Nora always had her eyes on my brother; she would make sure she could see me, even if it was opened half way. I would get worried and look up and before I knew it Nora was right beside me. Nora is just amazing, and the biggest blessing anyone could ask for. I never felt alone but Nora made sure I had my space and time with my brother. Nora was my everything, she helped me get through the most tragic time in my life. My brother died with the respect and dignity he deserved all because of Nora and her compassionate nursing care. I also witnessed Nora advocate for my brother for more pain and relaxation medication to the doctors. She stayed focused and had to repeat herself three times, she did it so eloquently and got the medication she needed for my brother. It was amazing to watch a nurse speak up to a doctor for my brother. I was shocked, Nora was not shaken up at all, and she just did what was best for my brother. I was so appreciative for all that she did.
When everything was done I asked Nora "can I give you a hug", Nora said nothing but opened her arms big and wide and held me for as long as I needed. She is the everything a nurse can be. I will never forget Nora and her gentle ways. I'm so happy to have had Nora in my life even though it was a short time but the memories will live on.
I never really knew what nurses did and how much they can make a difference in a patient and family life. From my experience, the perception of the role of nursing is forever changed and has given me a real understanding of how much influence nurses have in relation to patient and family advocacy. I hope someday to meet Nora in the grocery store or Walmart, just not at Maine Medical Center unless I need her, to let her know how much she meant to me. Nora provided amazing care for us and she made a sad situation beautiful for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will tell this story to everyone I know because Nora made such an impact on me.