Debra Monnig demonstrated clinical skill, compassionate care, exceptional service and a commitment to excellence. I would like to share the detailed story about why Debra is so special.
My daughter was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma on her sternum. She had surgery at another facility for what was thought to be a cyst to be removed. When the diagnosis was made as sarcoma, the doctor scheduled her for surgery. We arrived at Mercy Ambulatory Same Day Surgery and Debbie was the nurse assigned to my daughter. My daughter was scheduled for a biopsy in the morning and then surgery in the afternoon. She was a bit anxious and Debbie was able to put her at ease very quickly. Debbie asked questions as part of the admission process but while doing this she showed genuine care and concern for my daughter. Debbie was very compassionate, empathetic and professional while caring for her as well as for me, my daughter's husband and her good friend.
After the biopsy, there was a lapse of 2-3 hours before the surgery. Debbie found out in conversation that my daughter was a "cat person" and she found a cat pillowcase for my daughter. Debbie really bonded with my daughter. When the surgeon left after speaking to my daughter, she started to have a panic attack. Debbie was right there not only getting orders for medication to calm her, but was also a great calming presence. When it was time to go to surgery, my daughter wanted Debbie to walk with her. Debbie went as far as she could without going into the OR with my daughter. The next week, my daughter had to come back for another surgery. When I heard there was another surgery scheduled, I called the Ambulatory Surgery Center and Debbie happened to be working. I told her my daughter was scheduled for another surgery and asked if there was any way she could either be assigned to her or stop in to see her. When we arrived and were taken back to the pre-op area, there was a small gift bag on the bed from Debbie of a small stuffed cat. Debbie did get a chance to stop in and they shared hugs. Although my daughter was disappointed that Debbie was not her nurse this time, just Debbie's kindness calmed her tremendously. Debbie made her feel that she REALLY mattered; she wasn't just another case.
I have to say that during both surgeries we received exceptional care from every staff member we encountered, but Debbie went above and beyond any expectations we may have had and gave EXCEPTIONAL caring, compassionate, genuine care. She was truly an angel in nurse's scrubs for my daughter and our family.