March 2018
Hannah
Saarinen
,
RN
Hillcrest 8 West
UC San Diego Health System
La Jolla
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

My brother was a patient on 8 West at Hillcrest when he was discharged to a rehab center. He was going through a difficult time adjusting to being bed bound and not allowed to smoke (his lifelong habit). Hannah quickly found a solution which made a very significant difference. She found on channel 56 on the TV monitor the station that plays soothing music and images. This station played all day and throughout the night giving him a reference for being calm and relaxed. It helped tremendously.
Hannah was a remarkable nurse. She was unflappable in her caring and professional approach. Hannah looked for solutions to help him be more comfortable and implemented them without fanfare - just quietly in a straightforward manner. She is attentive, professional, steady and consistent. She provided a huge measure of reassurance during difficult times. We didn't know then that he was nearing his final days. In fact, he passed away. Hannah made an important contribution to setting the tone for his passing, one we were able to maintain in his transition to the nursing home. He passed with no distress and in comfort with his environment. Hannah helped put all that in motion with all she did, and she wouldn't know how important what she did was without this opportunity to acknowledge her. I am deeply grateful as is our entire family.