Alenia Oslund, RN

As both a longtime employee and patient of MGMC, I have always been in awe of the wonderful care provided by our staff.

In two recent visits of my own to MGMC, however—one for a bilateral mastectomy and a second for a colonoscopy—Alenia Oslund's care stood out as extraordinary.

I would like to nominate Alenia for her awareness of me as a patient and her exceptional steps to make sure my unique skin condition was recognized and addressed during my visits. Her attention to my concerns made all the difference.

I have a volatile autoimmune condition that makes skin in various parts of my body highly reactive. Prior to identification of my condition, I had skin reactions following multiple procedures that left me miserable for months.

It was Alenia who heard my concerns during these two most recent visits—one in December and one in January—and took them to heart. She made sure that the OR avoided the use of chlorhexidine in my surgical prep, which the doctor suspected of being one of the culprits in my last reactions. She requested that only paper tapes be used and consulted with the physician to ensure that my catheter was removed while I was still in PACU to help me avoid the razor-like discomfort that accompanies the use of catheters with my skin condition.

What a mental and physical relief that was to me!

Then, in my most recent visit for a colonoscopy, she came to gently start my IV after my also-lovely admitting nurse had difficulties with her initial attempts. The ability to continue with an IV on the right arm was very important to me, as my mastectomy and lymph node removal inhibit use of my opposing arm.

While starting my IV, Alenia remembered the previous discussion of skin issues, too, and did all that she could to make sure I was comfortable and without reaction during this second visit, as well.

I appreciate the wonderful care I have received on every visit to MGMC, but as previously noted, I do believe Alenia's attention to my concerns made all the difference in my experience and outcome.

Thank you so much, Alenia!