There were so many kind nurses but again 1 stood out. Her name was Sylvia Gallinaro. She was exceptional. My mom was so scared, so frightened, and had anxiety about being left alone. Sylvia comforted her, befriended her, assured her that she would be in her room if she needed her and hit the call button. My mom had an angiogram and was moved upstairs the day after her procedure under Sylvia’s care. My mom said her leg was cramping, she immediately felt her leg, compared both legs, and ordered a test to ensure that was ample blood flow and there were no clots as mom's symptoms indicated there may be.

My mom had an external catheter which she accidentally kept moving and kept getting herself and the bed wet a few times. My mom was embarrassed and ashamed but Sylvia assured her it is okay, that this happens and that she will clean her up discreetly. My mom said really, Sylvia said, "Mrs. X, I promise you this is not uncommon, and I am here for you." My mom retained her dignity and smiled at her. This was priceless. My mom is only 75 and she was mortified, but Sylvia made her feel comfortable.

Sylvia showed exemplary leadership skills, compassion, empathy, and kindness. Every nurse should follow in her footsteps. She exhibits the core values every employer wants to have! She told my mom when her shift was going to be over so my mom wouldn’t worry. She came in and introduced the new nurse and assured my mom that she would get the same exceptional service and care and that she would brief the new nurse. About 40 minutes later I was coming from the cafeteria and Sylvia was leaving. She had her backpack on, and I saw that she made a stop in my mom’s room to say goodnight and advised her when she would be back for her next shift. My mom felt special, she felt comfortable, she felt important and most of all she felt like she was in the best care. I have no words to thank you, nothing I can say would suffice. You gave me and my family time, hope, and another day with mom.