June 2024
Stephanie
Connard
,
MN, RN
Oncology ICU
University of Washington Medical Center, Montlake, UW Medicine
Seattle
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

I felt cared for and supported by her in approaching my pain management.
Stephanie is one of the most compassionate medical professionals I've met. During my Dad's stay in the oncology ICU, Stephanie ensured my dad and family understood plan of care, which teams were making recommendations to oncology and why, made him feel calm in what is normally a high anxiety situation, and spoke to him in a tone and with words to help him believe he is strong enough to get healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital to continue treating his cancer and spending time with family. Any question, concerns, and curiosities were addressed quickly and in a way that was easy to understand and remember.

When my Dad was disappointed and upset because he wasn't being discharged on the day he thought he had been told, Stephanie explained numerous times, with utmost compassion, why his hospital stay was lasting a few more days. She explained it in a way that didn't make my Dad feel embarrassed or ignorant for not remembering things correctly. Stephanie was a true ray of sunshine for my Dad in what was otherwise a very sad and stressful situation to be in.

***

Stephanie went gone above and beyond. She helped me use the commode for the first time, and while I was there, helped me with a sponge bath and even washed my hair. When she noticed later that it had dried a little crispy, she applied detangler and combed it out. She even helped apply lotion to my feet and lower legs that I couldn't reach. She patiently explained the EVD and how it worked so that I could hopefully decrease my pain and make it more successful. She always arrived with a smile in her eyes and never made me feel as though she was put out in any way. I felt cared for and supported by her in approaching my pain management. She stayed on top of ensuring I received my medications on time and worked with me to find the best options. Every time I saw her interact with her co-workers, it was done with kindness and respect. She seemed like a great teammate.