Danielle Fitzsimmons
November 2023
Danielle
Fitzsimmons
,
BSN, RN
Medical Oncology Unit
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Rutland
,
VT
United States

 

 

 

Danielle gave not only fine medical nursing care but also very humane, kind treatment.
My father passed away at RRMC at the age of 101 years. For the week preceding his death, he was cared for by several members of the RRMC medical staff. I would like to nominate one in particular, Danielle Fitzsimmons, for her exceptional service. My father has overcome COVID and RSV, and as he entered RRMC with a severe case of pneumonia, Danielle took the time to explain to him the care being given and to discuss with me the various options. Midweek, he sat up bolt upright in bed and bellowed, "Am I dead yet?". Danielle replied, "No." Then he asked, "Why am I still alive?" She thought for a moment and told him, "I don’t have an answer for that." Throughout his stay, Danielle made sure that he was shifted in bed, kept clean, and addressed in a respectful manner. He was put on palliative care. On the day I left at 4 pm, he passed at 5:44 pm, yet Danielle made a point that he was not alone when he died. Danielle gave not only fine medical nursing care but also very humane, kind treatment. She often asked if there was anything she could get for me. It was the attention to detail and human side that I believe merits an award for exceptional care.