I had spine surgery and spent the three subsequent nights inpatient on the neuroscience floor at Beth Israel. This was not my first spine surgery, however, I am only in my mid 20s and this was the longest and most difficult/painful medical experience I've ever endured. Vicki was my nurse for all four days that I was in the unit.

Despite long and busy shifts in the healthcare field, which many nurses could understandably feel worn out by, Vicki maintained a calm, positive, consistent, and encouraging demeanor that felt like a comforting light during a dark, dark time. I like to think of myself as an easy-going person, but being pleasant is difficult during times of immense pain. Vicki did far more than care for me physically during my first few nights postop. When I asked for help or otherwise spoke to her, it felt like I was her only patient. She continuously reassured me when I expressed feeling embarrassed and overly needy. That being said, given the way that Vicki carries out the duties of her job so passionately and professionally, she wouldn't have needed to explicitly remind me that she was happy to be there to support me and my healing.

Vicki advocated for me when pain management regimens were not adequate, and she encouraged me to push forward, both mentally and physically, in order to keep my eyes on recovery. I work in healthcare myself and have some understanding of the stress of the field, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Vicki is an exceptional nurse and human. Her patients, her loved ones, the hospital, and the world are lucky to have her. Vicki is in the right field and deserves only the best things that life can offer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.