Chris Rigozzi
December 2018
Chris
Rigozzi
,
RN
Neurosciences
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford
United Kingdom
I nominated my Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specialist nurse Chris, because of the care that I received from her during my 5 days of chemotherapy treatment and steroids for multiple sclerosis.
I did not know Chris before treatment, but she immediately put me at ease and was quick to pick up that I was independent and like to do things alone. She took the time to get to know me, my interests, passions, and fears. She would often know what I was about to say before I said it and know which treatment or support I needed. She was also a great encourager during it.
Chris gave me time to explain all my MS symptoms without putting me under pressure, to allow me to ask questions that I didn't ask in my medical consultations, immediately did a scan of one of my symptoms and wrote to my General Medical Practitioner immediately requesting a prescription. She advised me on lifestyle as I am newly diagnosed, talked to me about my anxieties and showed incredible care and compassion for what I was going through. Not only this, but she picked up on my Mum's anxieties and at moments when I left the room (with permission), she would comfort and reassure my Mum in a way that calmed her down and allowed her to be fully there for me during my treatment.
Under Chris's care, I felt totally at ease and fully confident in her clinical capabilities and ongoing treatment plan. She provided appropriate humour, care, support and comfort that I needed. She was able to read the room incredibly accurately and was proactive with what she picked up on. Nothing was too much or too little for Chris and her comforting presence and listening care got me through my treatment with a smile!
After this initial diagnosis and treatment, I attended a day for those newly diagnosed with MS. I was the only person who came without someone. Chris said not to worry and that she would be there for me throughout the day, and she was. When I had a little emotional wobble, she took me aside, reassured me and checked in with me throughout the day. She then contacted me the following week to check I was okay.
I'm incredibly thankful for Chris. She is simply the best nurse I have ever had!
I did not know Chris before treatment, but she immediately put me at ease and was quick to pick up that I was independent and like to do things alone. She took the time to get to know me, my interests, passions, and fears. She would often know what I was about to say before I said it and know which treatment or support I needed. She was also a great encourager during it.
Chris gave me time to explain all my MS symptoms without putting me under pressure, to allow me to ask questions that I didn't ask in my medical consultations, immediately did a scan of one of my symptoms and wrote to my General Medical Practitioner immediately requesting a prescription. She advised me on lifestyle as I am newly diagnosed, talked to me about my anxieties and showed incredible care and compassion for what I was going through. Not only this, but she picked up on my Mum's anxieties and at moments when I left the room (with permission), she would comfort and reassure my Mum in a way that calmed her down and allowed her to be fully there for me during my treatment.
Under Chris's care, I felt totally at ease and fully confident in her clinical capabilities and ongoing treatment plan. She provided appropriate humour, care, support and comfort that I needed. She was able to read the room incredibly accurately and was proactive with what she picked up on. Nothing was too much or too little for Chris and her comforting presence and listening care got me through my treatment with a smile!
After this initial diagnosis and treatment, I attended a day for those newly diagnosed with MS. I was the only person who came without someone. Chris said not to worry and that she would be there for me throughout the day, and she was. When I had a little emotional wobble, she took me aside, reassured me and checked in with me throughout the day. She then contacted me the following week to check I was okay.
I'm incredibly thankful for Chris. She is simply the best nurse I have ever had!