Hospitals are often dreaded by people of all ages, but for children, the experience can be even more overwhelming. Being in an unfamiliar environment, feeling unwell, and facing the possibility of painful surgeries can instill fear in young patients.
In such situations, having a parent by their side brings immense comfort. However, parents cannot always be present, which is when special nurses become the heroes.
One such heartwarming story unfolded at UPMC Susquehanna Health in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Slade Thompson, a young boy, was undergoing treatment at the hospital due to health issues that required him to undergo two surgeries within a short span of time.
Despite the doctors’ care, the surgeries were challenging for Slade, leaving him wheelchair-bound after the first operation.
The second surgery was equally difficult for Slade. Along with the operation, his adenoids, tonsils, and both sides of his nose needed to be cauterized. Coming out of anesthesia, children often wake up feeling less than happy, possibly due to pain and disorientation. Slade’s well-being was a concern for everyone involved.
When Slade woke up, he quickly realized that his mother was not by his side, leading to his distress. Sensing his upset state, his nurse, Annie Hager, recognized the need to provide comfort, considering he had just come out of surgery. Hager approached Slade to find ways to ease his discomfort, as she did not want to see him upset.
Explaining to Slade that his mother was currently unavailable, he asked Hager if she could snuggle with him since his mother couldn’t be there. Without hesitation, she agreed to his request. Hager held Slade during his mother’s absence, providing the warmth and care he needed at that moment.
Soon after, Slade’s mother walked into the room and was deeply moved by the sight of the nurse comforting her son so lovingly. She captured the touching scene in a photograph, wanting to cherish the memory forever.
For Hager, going the extra mile for her patients is just part of her job. She humbly sees it as her duty and shared the heartwarming story on social media, expressing how deeply the experience had touched her.
Slade and his mother were incredibly grateful for Hager’s compassionate actions. They returned to the hospital to personally thank her, with Slade wanting to give his newfound friend a hug and some flowers.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that Hager was not originally scheduled to work that day. However, she received a last-minute call, allowing her to form this special connection with a little boy who wanted to show his gratitude.
Annie Hager is one of those exceptional nurses who bring comfort and positivity to everyone they encounter, making the hospital experience a little brighter for patients and their families.