Andrea has been a nurse I think for around 2 years. But the way she is with her patients and their families should be a reference point. Being such a "new" nurse but her knowledge and bedside manner is amazing. There have been so many times that while I was here getting my Plasmapheresis, I kind of threw up my hands and was asking myself - is all this worth it? Should I stop all treatment? Andrea, being who she is, had a hand in bringing me off the ledge as they say. Her words to me were firm but so inspiring and upbeat and she reminded me of my family and what I mean to them. And she guided me back from my pity party and steadily received my treatments.
Andrea has gone so far and above the call of duty in providing amazing care for me, and I've had the pleasure of seeing her with other patients and families that she, without a doubt, should be honored for. There is no possible way to clearly put into words how much Andrea means to all of her patients (past and present) and their families. She has a wonderful rapport with each and every nurse and PCA, and administration. They are all like a finely oiled machine and they are like my family. Andrea has the heart of an angel and is truly the best of what nursing should be. One of my favorite quotes is by Buddha and it reminds me of how Andrea chooses to live her life:
"In life, there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you; some will love you, and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are rare and amazing people who remind you why it's all worth it."
Andrea genuinely loves what she does. She works very hard every day to try to develop her nursing career. If you ask anyone any time about Andrea, you will hear only praises. No matter how busy she is, she will stop dead in her tracks to say a "genuine" hello to a visitor or greet her patients and their families. Andrea is always upbeat. She is detail-oriented and motivated to learn more. More importantly, she takes the time to listen to you, especially after being in the hospital for 10 days and are having a bad day. Andrea makes you smile and makes you feel as if you are the only patient in the hospital. Nurses are the backbone of every hospital. Imperial Point and her countless patients are so grateful that she is a part of this team. And God bless that team. And God bless Andrea who is an amazing nurse and friend.