I feel very fortunate that I have not spent a ton of time in the hospital. I was a pretty healthy kid and other that one trip after an accident involving plastic heels and stairs, I have avoided the hospital for the majority of my life. However, in the past year my family has spent an unusual amount of time in doctors offices and hospitals. What I have discovered is that while doctors are great, nurses are essential to your success.

When I ended up in the emergency room my doctor spent 15 minutes with me explaining the procedure I would be receiving. The nurse made sure I was comfortable, relaxed and had all of my questions answered. She was up at 2am, making sure my blood pressure was normal. She joked with me and helped me relax as I got my blood drawn (my biggest fear). She went above and beyond all with a smile on her face.

Doctors are excellent at what they do. They provide life saving care, insight to new treatments and helpful information. However, it is your nurses that ease worries and keep you going especially when you are scared. I have always had a phobia of needles. Simply talking about them stresses me out. When I was younger I would immediately burst in to hysterical crying at the mention of a shot. The nurse at my pediatrician's office knew about my fear and had convinced me that she was the quickest shot administrator in the world. Her attention to detail and interest in my well being helped me get the medicine I needed.

I understand that when you are in the hospital it is easy to get wrapped up in your stress and pain. It is easy to be so focused on the wellbeing of the sick individual that you take the nurses for granted. But remember all of the work and sacrifices your nurses go through and take some time to appreciate them. Saying thank you only takes a minute so make sure you do!