“I have worked with Paul for over three years and seen him grow as a professional nurse and an excellent team player to his peers and our unit. The connection he has with patients goes beyond the bedside. When patients call or visit the unit, they always ask about Paul. The trust and support he provided during the worst of times in their lives is what they remember as they continue to live with cancer. Paul is viewed by his peers as one who provides a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. When a long term patient of ours died, Paul said, ‘We gave her the best piece of us and she and her family will hold and remember the gift of hope even at her death.’ His compassion, enthusiasm, and energy are what set him apart. He exemplifies our professional practice model, Relationship Based Care. I am honored to work with him!”
Below are five patient testimonies to the excellent and compassionate care that Paul provides:
“I just want to say I was admitted to Sloan very scared knowing I had Leukemia. Paul was the first nurse I met. His comforting and calm demeanor helped me through the hardest times. He also shaved my hair for me because I was losing my hair (due to chemotherapy) and it was devastating to me. There were times I cried uncontrollably or got extremely “sick” and Paul helped me out of those rough times. He is the perfect nurse and really cares about us. First thing in the morning, he asks how I am feeling which means a lot to me. He has certainly helped me through the hard times and - believe me - he deserves this award and more. He was upset when he had to leave me on his days off and he called in to see how I was doing. He is a caring and devoted nurse. He is my hero and I will never forget him.” DS (Patient)
“After finding out about my diagnosis of Leukemia, I was scared and feeling very confused. I had a big concern about my anticipated hair loss. I was told that one of the nurses could come in and buzz my hair. Paul was the one who was sent in. I told him how I felt and he took some off, trying not to shock me with total loss. He then came back two days later to see if I was ready to go a little further, which I was. The compassion and his kind words meant so much to me at a very low point in my life. He left a big impact on me and I’m grateful to have met him.” BB (Patient)
“Paul is an outstanding nurse and caregiver. My mom is a patient and there was a delay in her CT scan scheduling. I called the nurse’s station very upset and concerned. Later that day, I visited my mom and Paul came to address any further issues I may have had. Not only did he stay with me as long as necessary, but he ensured that I was comfortable with all the information. After his shift, he spent an inordinate amount of his own time with my mom and answered all of our questions relating to my mom’s illness. He is upbeat, positive, approachable and knowledgeable. He is personable and empathetic to patients and their families. Paul, from the onset of my mom’s admission, helped ease her fears. He collaborated with my mom and cut her hair in a Mohawk styled. The next time I visited the unit, I was so happy to see a familiar and caring face – Paul. I stopped him to ask him some follow-up questions about my mom’s next steps. Even though he was not my mom’s nurse, he spent time to thoroughly answer my questions. His knowledge and love for his job was sufficient for me and I did not need to call the doctor because Paul provided all our answers. He is caring, giving, and supersedes the expectations of his role as a nurse. We love Paul.” Family member of RG (Patient)