Amber Passalacqua
January 2021
Amber
Passalacqua
,
RN
Emergency Depatrment
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Amber's kindness, thoughtfulness, and insight assisted Ms. S. in taking that first step toward active involvement in her own care. This was huge!
She was a sweet, quiet female veteran on CT4. Ms. S. was admitted for rehabilitation and was struggling with the changes to her body, specifically, her new colostomy bag. Prior to her admission, she was a vibrant veteran, mother, daughter, wife, grandmother, and sister. Daily on CT4, the staff would encourage her to assist with her colostomy care and each time it was difficult for her to complete. The staff were gentle in their approach with her and hoped that soon she would take the initiative to care for herself.
While she was on CT4, Ms. S. needed to be transferred to the ED. It was there that she met Amber. Amber quickly realized that Ms. S. was having a hard time accepting her colostomy bag and thought of a way to help her in this transition. Amber asked Ms. S. what her favorite color was and Ms. S. replied yellow. Amber smiled and formulated her plan. After a few days had passed, Ms. S. was transferred back to CT4. She felt a little better after she returned, and was doing a little more for herself. The staff was so proud of her. It was during this time Ms. S. received a package. In this package was a colostomy bag cover decorated with sunflowers. Yellow sunflowers. The gift was from Amber in the ED. Ms. S. was extremely grateful for the colostomy bag cover and explained to this Nurse Manager that it made her feel feminine again.
Ms. S. started to care for herself more and more and even came out of her room for a walk. The staff was so shocked and excited to see Ms. S. and her newfound confidence. Ms. S. stated the colostomy cover was such a thoughtful gift from Amber and it truly helped her in her road to recovery. Each passing day Ms. S. grew more confident and wanted to do more for herself to aid in her rehab.
Amber's kindness, thoughtfulness, and insight assisted Ms. S. in taking that first step toward active involvement in her own care. This was huge! On behalf of Ms. S. and the CT4 team, we would like to thank Amber for going above and beyond. In just that short amount of quality time she spent with Ms. S., Amber changed Ms. S.'s outlook and improved her rehab outcome. Thank you, Amber, your selflessness and care are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do and continue to do for our veterans. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.
While she was on CT4, Ms. S. needed to be transferred to the ED. It was there that she met Amber. Amber quickly realized that Ms. S. was having a hard time accepting her colostomy bag and thought of a way to help her in this transition. Amber asked Ms. S. what her favorite color was and Ms. S. replied yellow. Amber smiled and formulated her plan. After a few days had passed, Ms. S. was transferred back to CT4. She felt a little better after she returned, and was doing a little more for herself. The staff was so proud of her. It was during this time Ms. S. received a package. In this package was a colostomy bag cover decorated with sunflowers. Yellow sunflowers. The gift was from Amber in the ED. Ms. S. was extremely grateful for the colostomy bag cover and explained to this Nurse Manager that it made her feel feminine again.
Ms. S. started to care for herself more and more and even came out of her room for a walk. The staff was so shocked and excited to see Ms. S. and her newfound confidence. Ms. S. stated the colostomy cover was such a thoughtful gift from Amber and it truly helped her in her road to recovery. Each passing day Ms. S. grew more confident and wanted to do more for herself to aid in her rehab.
Amber's kindness, thoughtfulness, and insight assisted Ms. S. in taking that first step toward active involvement in her own care. This was huge! On behalf of Ms. S. and the CT4 team, we would like to thank Amber for going above and beyond. In just that short amount of quality time she spent with Ms. S., Amber changed Ms. S.'s outlook and improved her rehab outcome. Thank you, Amber, your selflessness and care are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do and continue to do for our veterans. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.