I write today to tell you about a nurse I encountered at UPMC Mercy during my husband's visit to the ER. Becca exemplified how a nurse should be. She provides compassionate care while making sure the patient and family are kept up to date on what is going on. Becca treats the entire family as part of the patient's care and involves them in the exchange of information. She is receptive to all questions from the patient and family. Becca is a valuable asset. I can't tell you how reassuring it was to find out my husband was going to be cared for by Becca while I was away at my job. We would like to thank Becca for her compassionate and thorough care of my husband during his visits to UPMC Mercy.
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Becca is very courteous with her co-workers and patients, but there was a patient interaction that stood out for me this morning. Becca saw that a patient was troubled and frustrated with his illness. The patient felt bad for his wife and talked about how he wished he could be more supportive and do all the things he used to do like "cutting the hedges." The patient was hard of hearing and Becca put her head down beside his ear and reassured him that he would get through this illness and that he was still a good husband. Becca had such a gentle tone and a great smile that it really did help the patient. I think some nurses don't realize it's not just the physical things that we do for the patient, but it is also the psychological things, like the reassuring, the "Thank You" the smile, the touch. If I ever have to be a patient in Mercy's ER, I would like to have Becca as my nurse.