Susan Swenson
April 2021
Susan
Swenson
,
RN
UPMC Rehab Institute of Carlisle
UPMC Rehab Institute of Carlisle
Carlisle
,
PA
United States
By her actions, and the way that she cared for him I was reminded to always speak to the patient, be compassionate, and gentle. It truly was because of Sue that we could be so successful at home.
This is a long and complicated story about the worst month of our lives. However, there is always something good that comes out of bad when you look for it. My father-in-law had a massive stroke in January. He was taken by helicopter to a facility in New Jersey. When he left the house that day that was the last time we would see him for more than two weeks. Covid has had a great impact on many of our lives, but the impact it made in this situation was unbearable to our family. Not being able to see him, encourage him, support him, and love him in person to us was feel cruel and inhumane. We knew he was dying, and to be denied the right to be with him caused so much pain. It wasn't long before we realized we needed to get him to a place where we could be with him. That is where UPMC Carlisle comes into the picture. Being that I am an employee of UPMC, I knew that this organization supported patients to have a support person to be their advocate. We are a very close family, and this was of utmost importance to us. We started the ball rolling quickly to get him out to Carlisle for rehab.
At first, we had planned to move him straight to Pittsburgh, not knowing this little gem of a rehab was in Carlisle. A friend had mentioned it to me, and told me the staff was amazing...boy, were they right! At UPMC Carlisle, we met some amazing caregivers, including nurses, aides, and therapists. Too many names to mention here, but we would be remiss if we did not take the time and the opportunity to recognize Sue Swenson for her extraordinary care. I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this award other than Sue. I hope that I am able to express my gratitude to the degree it deserves.
Sue did not just "do her job" in caring for my father-in-law, she went above and beyond in all areas. He was not an easy patient. He was heavy, and he could not do anything for himself: He truly was one on one care. The love, the patience, the dedication, and the compassion that Sue gave to not only S, but my entire family will never be forgotten. Sue did not just do her nursing tasks and leave the room. She spent time, lots of time, teaching us, helping us, and preparing us for life at home. Unfortunately, we did bring S home on hospice and he passed after 5 days at home. S's stroke was so large and left him with major deficits. He could not swallow and was continually having micro aspirations. It was the most difficult of our lives, but we were comforted by Sue that we were doing the right thing in bringing him home on hospice, and we felt confident and prepared that we could do this. Sometimes families just need to hear the right words to make their decisions feel valid, Sue gave that to us. Honestly, I have been out of patient care for a long time and had I not learned from the best (Sue) I would not have been able to dust off my nursing skills and take care of S at home. Well, we did take good care of him, and we were able to all because of Sue. By her actions, and the way that she cared for him I was reminded to always speak to the patient, be compassionate, and gentle. It truly was because of Sue that we could be so successful at home. It's been a long time since I've met a nurse like her, so loving, personal, and engaged.
I will never forget one day, in particular, S was having some bowel issues at the time, and in about three hours' time, he was on and off the bedpan at least 10 times. Under Sue's guidance and with her sidekick, they never complained, they were always gentle, and patient. Each and every time they made sure he was comfortable and clean. She cared about his dignity and the fact that he was a proud man and this was new territory for him. Sue helped my family through this difficult time more than she will ever truly know. Sue is a true DAISY Nurse.
At first, we had planned to move him straight to Pittsburgh, not knowing this little gem of a rehab was in Carlisle. A friend had mentioned it to me, and told me the staff was amazing...boy, were they right! At UPMC Carlisle, we met some amazing caregivers, including nurses, aides, and therapists. Too many names to mention here, but we would be remiss if we did not take the time and the opportunity to recognize Sue Swenson for her extraordinary care. I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this award other than Sue. I hope that I am able to express my gratitude to the degree it deserves.
Sue did not just "do her job" in caring for my father-in-law, she went above and beyond in all areas. He was not an easy patient. He was heavy, and he could not do anything for himself: He truly was one on one care. The love, the patience, the dedication, and the compassion that Sue gave to not only S, but my entire family will never be forgotten. Sue did not just do her nursing tasks and leave the room. She spent time, lots of time, teaching us, helping us, and preparing us for life at home. Unfortunately, we did bring S home on hospice and he passed after 5 days at home. S's stroke was so large and left him with major deficits. He could not swallow and was continually having micro aspirations. It was the most difficult of our lives, but we were comforted by Sue that we were doing the right thing in bringing him home on hospice, and we felt confident and prepared that we could do this. Sometimes families just need to hear the right words to make their decisions feel valid, Sue gave that to us. Honestly, I have been out of patient care for a long time and had I not learned from the best (Sue) I would not have been able to dust off my nursing skills and take care of S at home. Well, we did take good care of him, and we were able to all because of Sue. By her actions, and the way that she cared for him I was reminded to always speak to the patient, be compassionate, and gentle. It truly was because of Sue that we could be so successful at home. It's been a long time since I've met a nurse like her, so loving, personal, and engaged.
I will never forget one day, in particular, S was having some bowel issues at the time, and in about three hours' time, he was on and off the bedpan at least 10 times. Under Sue's guidance and with her sidekick, they never complained, they were always gentle, and patient. Each and every time they made sure he was comfortable and clean. She cared about his dignity and the fact that he was a proud man and this was new territory for him. Sue helped my family through this difficult time more than she will ever truly know. Sue is a true DAISY Nurse.