Reggie came to SVMC as a new graduate. From the beginning I noticed that nursing is his passion. He shared stories that as a teenage boy he found that taking care of his elderly grandma is an endearing devotion. As a grandson he felt blessed to return the favor since his grandma raised him as a child. From then on it showed him the way to take care of the sick. Compassion, empathy, patience, kindness and perseverance are his footprints.
He was supposed to work days; but he was worried that he could not keep up the pace. We decided to put him on nights to work on his time management. That’s the beginning of his career.
There were so many examples that Reggie has shown his passion for nursing. Two of the patient’s comments that resonate to me are the following:
It is interesting to know that every patient Reggie gets assigned to have one theme in common “I can’t say enough about your staff, but Reggie is the best nurse you have in your floor. He shows compassion, empathy, professional demeanor, intelligent and seems to really like his profession as a nurse. I got transferred to the floor that night from CCU and when I got here, I was so anxious about my condition. I am young and have my wife and child with me and I just do not know what is ahead of us after the transplant. Reggie was my nurse that night. Oh boy, he made me feel that I was one of the VIP in your hospital. I can’t believe what he had done for me. He made sure that I was comfortable and pain free. He gave me education about my medications, how important it is for me to adhere to my medications. He educated me on signs and symptoms of rejection and not to ignore any slight symptoms. He actually translated it in a simple language for me to understand it better. He is just the best. He just stood out from the rest of the nurses.
We had a patient that was hard to take care of due to family dynamics. When Reggie got assigned to the patient, the family member has requested if Reggie could come back and take care of his partner. The family has shared that Reggie has done a good job understanding their needs emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. He is there for us making sure that my partner receives the appropriate care and the love he deserves. He even ordered food and spent his own money since he can’t eat the food the hospital has served. He is truly a God send to us. You are truly blessed to have a nurse like him.
Last year I learned that Dr. Naraghi has extended his Christmas party invitation to our nursing staff. I was told that Dr. Naraghi has requested Reggie’s presence to be in the party. Few days before the party, I got a call from Dr. Naraghi that he wants Reggie to be in the party, to make sure that he goes to the party. I told the staff that Reggie must have impressed Dr. Naraghi; why is it that his name popped out every time. One night I asked him “Why it is that you have a special invitation to Dr. Naraghi’s party?” He simply stated that when he makes rounds at night I just make sure that his questions were answered and our patient needs are met. I do not do anything special to any doctor of ours. Having the Vincentian values is a gift for us practice everyday.