Being a nurse is hard. Being a nurse, stuck in a med, and barely able to care for yourself is 1,000 times harder. It makes you feel bitter, powerless, helpless, and all those things we’re taught to try to help guide our patients through. When I got admitted to the IMC in the middle of the night, after spending a long and draining day in the ER, Rachael was my guide. For the next two nights, she provided me with the kind of love and care, and understanding that I dream of being able to provide to my patients. She recognized that under the shell of a 29-year-old nurse of five years, there was a scared 29-year-old girl who just needed some support. She made sure to explain every single thing, not taking for granted that I might have some knowledge.

I specialize in Moms and Babies and after all, a heart rate of 135 is fine for a baby, right! She made me feel so loved and supported and cared for. Even though we had only just met, I felt like she was an old friend who was sent there specially to love on me. She saw me through some dark points, some scary points, and a few good points in between. And throughout all of that, I felt so loved and heard. I know as nurses we don’t do it for the praise. We do it for the patients. But she will have my praise and thanks until the end of my days. Again, I cannot thank her enough for loving on me and keeping me safe.