Val is wonderful. I had her during my last hospital stay and was so excited to have her again. She is always proactive, anticipating needs and making sure you feel like she is there for you no matter what. As a patient, I often feel like I'm a burden on the nurse, but Val was always there saying, "It's my job! I've got this for you!" She never made me feel anything but beautiful, which is a gift when you feel the grossest. "I've seen it all," when I had a gown that needed changing. She was extraordinary at putting me at ease. She was there with "Would you like to try a different ice pack?" and "My 23 years of nursing have taught me the best way to do XYZ is this or that." She made me believe I had a truly competent person working for me.

But the biggest surprise was on her last shift while I was here; we'd had a lot of fun with her "Val-tini", a blend of hospital beverages, but the last shift, I had asked for DoorDash food because I was craving cheesecake and she brought in a homemade cheesecake that knocked the Cheesecake Factory one out of the park. She took the time to make a personal connection, helped me feel dignity when I was vulnerable, and made the whole CSM experience amazing. Thanks, Val!