September 2021
Ryan
Thompson
,
MSN, RN, CNL
Cornell 1
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Charlottesville
,
VA
United States
Ryan demonstrated professionalism and a sense of humor that put us all at ease.
Our first surgery experience at Martha Jefferson Hospital was overall quite positive. The patient had a cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of low blood flow, which resulted in the insertion of two stents. Once in the recovery room, there was a short visit from the surgeon. Then “we” found ourselves being cared for by Ryan Thompson, RN. “We” is used here because Ryan cared for both patient and spouse. Ryan demonstrated professionalism and a sense of humor that put us all at ease. He explained the what and why of everything he was doing. Then came our many questions about the just-performed procedure. He sensed that we really wanted to know everything he could tell us, and he spent a good amount of time explaining the details of the procedure. Questions that at times resulted in Ryan making hand-drawn diagrams to explain the intricacies that surgeons typically do not have the time to answer. And things that come up long after being wheeled into the recovery room. Before discharge, Ryan gave us a copy of the Sentara booklet “Living Well After a Heart Attack.” Although this patient had not had a heart attack there is good information in the publication for those with heart issues. We’d like to commend Ryan Thompson, RN for being the kind of person he is, obviously desiring to be the best nurse possible, one where his patients leave the hospital with a positive experience, and grateful for the extra care given.