Alicja Bieszscad, BSN, RN, OCN

My brother was admitted for an auto stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. He has never been ill or hospitalized. Alicja was his nurse for three days, giving him chemo the day before, then all that is involved with the stem cell transplant the next day. She is calm, patient, brilliant, compassionate, and professional.

I stood in awe as she instructed him on all aspects of what to expect with transplant administration. She took ownership of the process, yet allowed him to have a Jewish ceremony prior to transplant administration. That was an experience, and she shared it with us.

Then it was time for transplant administration. She told him that the administration would take a few minutes and she would not stop it. She instructed him on all the possible symptoms he could experience and to let her know if he had any. She had everything ready if he did. She gave him a sense of serenity, calmness, and hope. She owned the moment.

She helped me understand the process and explained what to expect for the following two weeks. She had him as a patient the following day and provided experienced, exceptional care. Luckily, my brother's only complication was twelve days of nausea and fatigue. She motivated my stubborn brother to follow the protocol, take showers, listen to the professionals, and he complied. She visited him on days she was working. He loved having her as his nurse. I loved having her take care of him.

She truly is a gift to patients and represents oncology nursing in such a positive way. I'm an ortho nurse who worked at LGH for 18 years. She represents the very best of LGH nursing. What a blessing! Thank you.