Izabela Cwalinski
November 2025
Izabela
Cwalinski
,
RN
West Ground
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Worcester
,
MA
United States
She is an exemplary nurse who thinks outside the box and is willing to listen to the patient and family, even when it is easy to feel burnt out, rushed, or simply go through the motions.
Izabela was my partner's daytime nurse from day one. She met my parents and me on the first full day post-op, answering any and all questions and concerns we came up with. She was thorough, compassionate, and patient. These qualities continued to shine throughout our two-week stay at the hospital, which we initially thought would be just a two-day stay.
My partner went through a few setbacks and complications, and this time was difficult for our families and us. He was in pain, uncomfortable, and hungry, and it was hard for me to see him suffering and feel so helpless. Izabela was always there, supporting both of us with a smile, an encouraging word, and sometimes just to sit down and rub his back when there wasn't much more to be done.
She always knew what to say to calm our fears and make us feel better. She was personable and consistent - he never waited for meds, we didn't have to worry about fears being dismissed by her, she was thorough in her assessments, and we fully trusted her. On the good days and the bad ones, it was always a relief to see Izabela's name on the board and have the reassurance that she would be taking care of us. I truly cannot say enough good things about her. She is an exemplary nurse who thinks outside the box and is willing to listen to the patient and family, even when it is easy to feel burnt out, rushed, or simply go through the motions.
She was willing to be creative with pain management, which was a specific concern of ours. She would always give options, whether it be whatever med was due, a warm blanket, an ice pack (even when she had to search high and low, when the floor had run out, and she somehow managed to find one for us), or by encouraging mobility or positional changes. We felt heard, seen, and like human beings, not just another patient. We got to know each other over the time we spent together, and I will truly miss seeing her every day!
Anyone who has her as a nurse is lucky to know they are in capable, kind hands. I cannot think of someone more deserving of recognition for a job phenomenally well done. We will always be grateful for the role she played in our time at the hospital.
My partner went through a few setbacks and complications, and this time was difficult for our families and us. He was in pain, uncomfortable, and hungry, and it was hard for me to see him suffering and feel so helpless. Izabela was always there, supporting both of us with a smile, an encouraging word, and sometimes just to sit down and rub his back when there wasn't much more to be done.
She always knew what to say to calm our fears and make us feel better. She was personable and consistent - he never waited for meds, we didn't have to worry about fears being dismissed by her, she was thorough in her assessments, and we fully trusted her. On the good days and the bad ones, it was always a relief to see Izabela's name on the board and have the reassurance that she would be taking care of us. I truly cannot say enough good things about her. She is an exemplary nurse who thinks outside the box and is willing to listen to the patient and family, even when it is easy to feel burnt out, rushed, or simply go through the motions.
She was willing to be creative with pain management, which was a specific concern of ours. She would always give options, whether it be whatever med was due, a warm blanket, an ice pack (even when she had to search high and low, when the floor had run out, and she somehow managed to find one for us), or by encouraging mobility or positional changes. We felt heard, seen, and like human beings, not just another patient. We got to know each other over the time we spent together, and I will truly miss seeing her every day!
Anyone who has her as a nurse is lucky to know they are in capable, kind hands. I cannot think of someone more deserving of recognition for a job phenomenally well done. We will always be grateful for the role she played in our time at the hospital.