I recently underwent open-heart surgery at Northeast Georgia after having a heart attack. Throughout my hospital stay, one person stood out above all others—Shane Doster. From the moment I was admitted to the hospital until the day I was discharged, Shane was a constant source of support, care, and compassion. After the surgery, I was in a great deal of pain and feeling quite scared about what lay ahead in my recovery. I remember waking up in the ICU, disoriented and overwhelmed. Shane was the first person I saw, and from that moment on, I knew I was in the best hands possible. He took the time to explain what had been done during the surgery, what I could expect during my recovery, and how we would take each step together. What stood out most to me was the way he took the time to not only address my physical needs but also my emotional ones. Shane always ensured I felt heard and reassured me during every procedure, even when I was anxious or uncertain. There were many moments when I felt weak or overwhelmed. Still, Shane was always there—patiently answering my questions, providing comfort, and offering words of encouragement when I needed them the most.

Not only did he help me physically, but the kindness and empathy with which he approached me made all the difference in the world. I could tell that he truly cared, not just about my recovery, but about me as a person. In addition to being a skilled and attentive nurse, Shane showed tremendous leadership and teamwork. I watched how he worked seamlessly with the doctors and other nurses, ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that my care was managed with the highest precision and coordination. It was clear that Shane was deeply respected by everyone on the team, and I knew I was receiving the best possible care because of the way he helped coordinate my treatment. I am convinced that my recovery was faster and more successful because of the excellent care and compassion I received here. It wasn’t just the technical expertise—it was the genuine care, patience, and kindness that made all the difference. Shane made an incredibly difficult time in my life much more bearable, and I will always be grateful for that. Shane is the epitome of what it means to be a nurse.