I was scheduled for a surgical procedure and had the great fortune to have Donna assigned for my pre-operative care. While no one will confess, I am fairly sure she must have drawn the proverbial" short straw" to care for the Chief Nursing Officer. I was so very impressed by her compassion and competence. My wife joined me as I was prepared for surgery. Donna, walked us through each step of the surgical preparation process, following all the safety precautions, introducing us to each member of the team by name, and managing them up as valued teammates. More significantly, she did not assume that my wife or I just "knew" all that was about to happen. While I am sure some of the "basics" were somewhat awkward to go over with your CNO, she was diligent to communicate with us step by step through the process. She was compassionate and thoughtful to my wife making sure she was comfortable and understood all that was being communicated. My wife does not understand all of our hospital lingo, but would never want anyone to know that and Donna made sure she did not miss anything. I have to admit, I laid on the stretcher trying to do a few last-minute emails before I was taken back for surgery. Donna was patient with me on that too, but she ensured we stayed on schedule. I am thankful she did not allow me to be the cause of a "late start."
What impressed me the most about Donna was her passion for her work and the patients she cares for. I could hear her (no HIPPA violations) speak with other patients and she was as kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and competent with them as she was with me. As the CNO, I was simultaneously so proud of the nursing care I knew she was providing and humbled by her dedication and compassion to UNC REX and the community we serve. I laid on that stretcher thinking I am so grateful she is a REX Nurse.
Donna shared with me that over the next year or so she would be retiring. I want her to know she is an Extraordinary Nurse and that each and every day she makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and families and that day she made a meaningful difference in mine. Thank you, Donna, for all you do each and every day as a UNC REX nurse!