COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Nurses Week is May 6-12.
News19 asked you for your favorite stories, or shout-outs, involving nurses. Here's what you had to say:
I would like to give a "Shout Out" to the best! Lexington Hospital is the best! I have never been so spoiled after my bariatric sleeve surgery. Thank you for your service! -- Valerie H. Bender
I had two extraordinary nurses in 2021 at Prisma Baptist. I woke up after surgery and panicked. The night nurse came in and held my hand while I wept and got myself together. The morning nurse came in and prayed with me before being discharged. I didn't get their names but that experience has stayed with me. -- Lakeisha Joe
In 2004 I was taken Prisma Health Richland because if pains in my chest and some other problems. I landed in the chest pain center and had the most kind, caring nurse ever. They were having trouble get blood specimens (later needed two pints of blood) but she was so thoughtful, caring and just a pleasure to have as .y nurse. I was later moved onto the heart floor and when she got off duty she came by everyday of my stay to check on me. I don't recall her name but she definitely was an angel of mercy...Thank you... Sharon Spivey
My daughter was diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Day 2021. The nurses at Prisma Health Children's hospital were so kind and helpful. The first few days were full of tears and shock of the news and they were so caring and kind. They would bring box after box of tissues and would sit and talk with me until 3 a.m. some nights when I couldn't sleep. They became family to my husband and I and I still consider them family. They helped me get through a really hard time. My daughter finished her last chemo pill on April 20th and is doing great. She also considers these nurses our family and we will be forever grateful for their support and compassion the last two and a half years. -- Melissa Neel
My favorite nurse decided to go to nursing school after nearly being impaled by steel rods while working on a construction site. One of the few men in his class, he attended USC School of Nursing in the 70s, often holding a full time job and taking part in child raising.
Once he got his pin he never looked back. He worked grueling 12 hour shifts so that he could pursue his other passion-Gamecock Basketball. While making a name for himself as a competent and compassionate nurse, he often felt that his patients were betrayed by the medical bureaucracy, and worked tirelessly to care for the patients entrusted to him, even when they were understaffed and under supplied. As much as he loved his sports, his patients were always on his mind.
He would visit his patients once they had been transferred to other wards, and would share their likes and dislikes with the staff there. Sometimes when he attended games, healthy looking “strangers” would approach him, remembering a time when he was there for them.
My favorite nurse retired from nursing in 2017 and threw himself full time into being the one and only “Gamecock Jesus.” He was bad at remembering names, but knew a friend when he saw them. When he became ill and died last year, his passing was mourned not only by his fans and family, but by his colleagues and the patients for whom he advocated.
Carlton Thompson was and will always be my favorite nurse!
-- Judi Thompson, aka Mrs. Gamecock Jesus
Adrian Sims is a Nursing Supervisor at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, S.C. She's been working there for 20+ years. She posses strength and accuracy to navigate during medical emergencies. She plays a very important role in the Healthcare system. Her knowledge, patience, and courage is truly appreciated and makes a difference. She's truly a light to her profession. She was also nominated and awarded Best Nurse in Sumter 2023 for the Best of Sumter Event for the Nursing category. For this and so much more, Thank you Adrian for being such an amazing Nurse on and off the clock. -- Brittney Shaw
