I was at MMC in ICU for over a week last summer and I was fortunate enough to have excellent and caring nurses as well as their support staff. One stands out among all others—Hannah Gajewski, RN. I had broken 11 ribs in numerous places and was in a lot of pain. Hannah was instrumental in getting me back on my feet and helping me to regain my confidence. Hannah did “little things” to make many life more comfortable and tolerable. She made me one of her “special strawberry shakes each day that was delicious. I found Hannah to be a knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathic nurse who has a solid understanding of what is necessary for her patient’s recovery. She is a strong advocate for her patients and goes out of her way to make sure they are heard. Hannah has a pleasing and kind personality which puts her charges at ease immediately.

I had been moved seven times in a few days (yes, seven times). My family always had to look for me!!! Needless to say, I was discouraged without consistency in nursing styles. When I arrived in Hannah’s care, I knew from her smile that I was at last in the place where I would recover. While there, Hannah was able to overcome my fears and get me out of bed to use the commode and to walk around the bed and to the door. These were tasks that I didn’t think I could do. Hannah convinced me I could and I did! I had begun to heal. Reluctantly, after a week, I was able to leave her floor and go to a less restricted setting because of Hannah’s care. I would also like to mention that she was very thoughtful and helpful with her CNAs whenever she could be.

I think that a nurse should be an intelligent, caring, no-nonsense person with a sense of humor and great communication skills. Hannah Gajewski, RN certainly has all of those attributes. She also is a great listener and evaluates what her patients communicate and acts from there. She truly embodies the 6 C’s of nursing, caring, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, and competence.