Our incredible ICU nurses who were recognized for delivering compassionate and outstanding care. Pictured from left to right are Lester L., ADN; Cynthia U., BSN, RN, CCRN; Allison M., BSN, RN; and Feliciana J., BSN, RN, CCRN.
At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, providing compassionate care to our patients is a tenet we live by each and every day. So, it means a lot when a patient lets us know we’ve delivered on this promise.
A smile. A kind word. A patient or calming demeanor. Even the simplest of gestures can have an incredible impact on someone’s life, as Ann L. recently learned. Ann arrived at our Emergency Department via ambulance with a medical emergency, and has shared her experience about the outstanding care she received from our nurses.
Thank you, Ann, for sharing your story. We know our nurses are pretty amazing, too!
Read the notes we received from Ann L., Patient:
“I just have to say, Cynthia U., BSN, RN, CCRN (ICU) deserves a medal! I arrived to the ED via ambulance, and to say I was a mess would be a gross understatement. I feel like somehow Cynthia was by my side through the entire time. As I was in critical condition, time was of the essence. Cynthia talked with me comfortingly as everything was going on which was reassuring. I still feel terrible for how many times she had to clean me. It had to have been awful to be in her shoes. I kept apologizing, and she repeatedly told me not to even think about it, and how it wasn't anything at all. If I could have, I would have sent her flowers, and a bottle of Calgon for the work she put in with me that night. Cynthia clearly is an expert at her job because I am here to sing her praises, but she is so much more. There is no training in the world that could help a nurse be the way she is. There is no question that she stands out as someone who touches lives and makes a real difference. I salute her!”
“Allison M., BSN, RN (ICU) was born to be a nurse. She is quiet and steadfast, and gives you her full attention. Allison took such gentle and amazing care of me, from turning me, to helping with the bed pan, to frequent washings of me. She never seemed rushed or looking to get on to something else. I loved her she would take time to ask me about things in my life while she worked with me. It made me feel like I mattered as a person and not just a patient. Allison worked the night shift, and it had been a hectic evening. She exuded compassion when she came in to help me prep for a sigmoidoscopy at 6:30am. By the time we were all finished, she took her time washing me up for the day so I could feel nice and fresh. We were not done until well past 7. As hard as she had worked throughout her shift, and I'm sure she was exhausted, she never hurried with me to get done. I cannot begin to tell you how much she touched my heart. She has not only the skill, but also the heart, and for these reasons, she stands out as truly a shining star!”
“I had been through the ringer. Feliciana J., BSN, RN, CCRN (ICU) was so kind and caring, even the first day in ICU when I wasn't her patient. She always checked on me and extended herself to help. She gently encouraged me and got me in the chair. I felt so much better when she set me up with supplies to wash myself. My favorite thing was the way she offered me hand sanitizer at first. I had collapsed outside a rest stop 24 hours prior. I hadn't even thought about cleaning or sanitizing, but when she offered, it sounded divine. Such a thoughtful little thing to offer that went so far. Feliciana never seemed rushed, even though I know her list was endless. She was always smiling and cheerful even when she had to be exhausted. She somehow made me feel like I was the only person she was there to help, even though we know that clearly wasn't the case. Without question, she is a real hero!”
“When Lester L., ADN (ICU) first started taking care of me, he seemed quiet. I can assure you that it is part of his gift. Lester came and checked on me regularly, before I could even think to have asked for anything. He is calm and caring, and looks to go out of his way to make you feel more comfortable if he can. I am so impressed with the way he connected with me as I am sure he does with all his patients. It was as though I had known him for years. Lester always wore a smile, and it always made me smile right back. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to receive care from him!”