Colleen C Cardoso, RN

My 76-year-old grandmother was admitted to RIH CCU due to a heart attack that exacerbated her condition due to pre-existing kidney failure. My father and I arrived shortly after she was admitted to the CCU the first time. When we arrived, we found a whole team of doctors and nurses caring for my grandmother who had just had an adverse event. Shortly after, Colleen took the time to greet us and updated us on my grandmother's condition, including adverse events that occurred and unanticipated reactions to medications. She reassured us that that the medications that caused the reaction would not be used again. I could immediately tell that Colleen is the kind of nurse who has a passion for her work and patients. My grandmother was discharged the following week but had to return due to a sharp decline in health. My siblings and I collectively visited my grandmother one last time as she was being transitioned to hospice. Colleen was on shift again on this day. We greeted each other, she said "It's nice to see you again, unfortunately under these circumstances." She brought us up to speed on my grandma's condition and asked if we needed anything. As her shift was ending, Colleen took the time to say farewell to my grandmother; she kissed her on both cheeks and said "Goodbye senora". My grandmother passed shortly after being transitioned to hospice. Colleen is an exemplary nurse - and the best kind of human being. Colleen helped to ensure that my grandma's humanity and dignity were maintained with grace, kindness and respectfulness. My grandmother was very fortunate to have Colleen as a nurse. I want to thank Colleen with all my heart. I tear up as I write this. God bless Colleen and the CCU at RIH.