I was able to mention this outstanding nurse on morning leadership rounds.  Somehow the small bit I shared in comparison to details which demonstrate the level of nursing care and excellence that I experienced.  As an RN myself, I guess I have pretty high standards for what constitutes exceptional care.  Lorraine was truly one of the best nurses I ever encountered as either a patient or professional colleague.  Thank you for everything!

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I wanted to let you know of an episode of nursing excellence I encountered as an inpatient on 4 North.  Lorraine was assigned as my nurse.  She was, of course, kind and courteous, attentive, caring, professional, etc. in providing fantastic care.  It’s hard to clearly articulate or define as it was more than the things she said and did.  The excellence I’m referring to was more the way in which she approached, provision of care.  Her nursing assessment was complete and thorough.  She allowed choices where possible, such as preferred site for insulin shots. She asked key questions and was familiar with my care needs.  This included a history which includes a chronic illness which has some degree of severity.

Symptoms presented themselves on the first night of my stay.  Lorraine was aware of these developments which occurred the prior evening as well.  As a result, she increased the frequency of direct observation and checks as the shift progressed.  She seemed to be a clinical expert and possess the ability to manage multiple tasks and demands effectively.  

In this employee, you have an incredible asset for the assigned floor on which she works, but a valuable clinician in the organization as a whole.  I felt both comfortable and safe in her care.  This was appreciated as it allowed me to focus on getting better so that discharge home was a possibility.  So much so, that even my family members were able to go home in the late afternoon, promoting their rest and health.

This is perhaps one of the best gifts that we could have been given.  My extended family is a key part of my home care group/assistants.  This means that they will be in better shape as tomorrow is a potential discharge date.  Lorraine has made a positive impact on my health and healing.  I hope she knows how much.