My 87-year-old mother found herself in the acute care of Hackensack Emergency Room for the treatment of several underlying illnesses. She was subsequently transferred to 3PE whereby Nurse Phil Torcivia was her nurse for three conservative nights. It was the first time since my mother's diagnosis that I felt a sense of calm and peace over her condition most of which I attribute to Nurse Phil. Phil introduced himself and demonstrated a profound sincerity that conveyed to my mother speaking to her while maintaining eye contact with her as a person first and patient second. Being a military member, I recognize when and where individuals pay close attention to detail. Phil's attention to detail was outstanding, covering any and all matters of attention, including questions as to whether or not she has loose pills or home medication in her possession. Phil took detailed notes relative to specifics of her care. He took the time to explain his approach and methodology and expressed each intended course of action in detail to my mother as the patient. Phil was a consummate professional demonstrating exceptional knowledge on medical questions within his jurisdiction of care. Where he didn't have an immediate answer he consulted other professionals/resources to obtain them and followed up to provide them to me. He demonstrated extraordinary energy and positive attitude while maintaining formal courtesy equal to that of which I know from the military. If I didn't know I was in a civilian facility, I would have easily imagined Phil to be a Naval Corpsmen who gained their poise, expertise, and professionalism from field level trauma care.
I have never seen or experienced a nurse who operates at the level of extraordinary professionalism and expertise as demonstrated by Phil. Phil undoubtedly serves as the benchmark of exceptional nursing that should serve as the model of acute care nursing at Hackensack.