Connie Saucedo
December 2015
Connie
Saucedo
,
RN
Oncology, BMT Unit
University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System
Chicago
,
IL
United States
In 2012 I was diagnosed with cancer. To say it was the hardest day of my life is an understatement. I live in Champaign, Illinois and after being diagnosed I was transferred to UI Hospital for treatment where I first met Connie. The very first thing Connie said was "you are in the right hands and everything is going to be alright." Those words ended up ringing so very true through my entire treatment!
Connie has been here for me and my family not only medically but more important - emotionally. She has been there at my absolute sickest and when I was healing into remission. Connie has held my hand and cried with me and has stayed and rubbed my head to reassure me when I thought I was dying that with strength I could overcome the negative thoughts and truly heal!
Many times Connie would take time out of her day and explain exactly how the medication I was taking would work and how it would interact with my disease. I have always felt completely informed medically and when you are confused, as most are considering the level of medical knowledge you have, it was so reassuring and appreciated. It makes you feel like you are part of your treatment, not just someone going along with the motions.
Anytime I asked anything of Connie she was on it immediately, whether it be getting me a juice to finding out when my next round of platelets will be. She is just totally spot on at all times! When I see that she is my nurse for the day, a sense of relief washes over me because I know I will not have to second guess anything and I can trust all of my needs will be met without having to ask. To say that Connie has become "my home away from home" is putting it mildly! She has become a huge part of my family. Connie is one of the most loving people I have ever met. The love in her heart for what she does is evident. It shines from her into the faces of her patients and their families.
I've never heard a bad word uttered when speaking of Connie. She has also shown that to her fellow co-workers. Anytime a co-worker has asked something of her, she drops what she is doing to help make sure they get what they need to better serve their patients!
Connie has been here for me and my family not only medically but more important - emotionally. She has been there at my absolute sickest and when I was healing into remission. Connie has held my hand and cried with me and has stayed and rubbed my head to reassure me when I thought I was dying that with strength I could overcome the negative thoughts and truly heal!
Many times Connie would take time out of her day and explain exactly how the medication I was taking would work and how it would interact with my disease. I have always felt completely informed medically and when you are confused, as most are considering the level of medical knowledge you have, it was so reassuring and appreciated. It makes you feel like you are part of your treatment, not just someone going along with the motions.
Anytime I asked anything of Connie she was on it immediately, whether it be getting me a juice to finding out when my next round of platelets will be. She is just totally spot on at all times! When I see that she is my nurse for the day, a sense of relief washes over me because I know I will not have to second guess anything and I can trust all of my needs will be met without having to ask. To say that Connie has become "my home away from home" is putting it mildly! She has become a huge part of my family. Connie is one of the most loving people I have ever met. The love in her heart for what she does is evident. It shines from her into the faces of her patients and their families.
I've never heard a bad word uttered when speaking of Connie. She has also shown that to her fellow co-workers. Anytime a co-worker has asked something of her, she drops what she is doing to help make sure they get what they need to better serve their patients!