I had an upper and lower GI test at Banner University Tucson. I previously had a colonoscopy done in a different GI clinic that was a disaster. It was one of the most humiliating experiences in my life.
The entire team at Banner University Tucson was exactly the opposite of what I had encountered at the other GI Clinic. Each person at Banner University was extraordinarily kind and helpful. I would nominate everyone involved with me that day at Banner for this award if possible, but Tanya Terry will have to carry the torch for them all.
I had had a difficult preparation for the procedure that was first scheduled for Monday, but because my colon was not prepared enough it had to be rescheduled for the next day. So, after 3 days of no food and 2 gallons of preparation, I went to Banner with a great deal of trepidation. But it seemed that the whole team who worked with me knew of my trepidation about the procedure and what I had gone through at the GI Clinic as well as in getting prepared for the current procedure.
Tanya was over the top, though, in being kind and helpful, and very professional. She knew my history and the prep I had gone through without me telling her. From first meeting her, she had a smile on her face which eased my nervousness. She put in the IV without my really knowing it. No pain, no bruising and I usually have some pain with an IV and a great deal of bruising afterward because it has to be moved so many times to get it right. Tanya was with me through-out the procedure, touching my shoulder before I was put under to let me know she was with me, always encouraging me that all would be well because she was looking out for me.
When I was in recovery, Tanya couldn't have done any more for me; getting me juice, crackers and just showing a great deal of empathy. But it was her warm, always present smile that made my day. She had a smile through everything, letting me know that all was well. After I recovered, I had to wait for a while for my ride. Tanya checked on me frequently in between her other patients and duties to make sure I was alright. She even found time to sit with me for a bit to talk about our lives and Arizona.
I've known other nurses through other procedures I've had done who were all excellent at what they do, but Tanya really stands out from all the rest. There is empathy and warmth in her that I haven't always seen in the medical profession. I think it can be a difficult profession to hold onto one's humanity because medical personnel see so many horrible situations. Somehow, though, Tanya has held onto her professionalism, as well as her warm personality, her humanity and empathy, and that wonderful smile throughout her years as a nurse. I know that Tanya is fairly new to Banner University, but she is truly a tremendous asset to the hospital, a nurse who is worth hanging onto at all costs. It was truly an honor to meet her and to be taken care of by her. These may not seem like extraordinary traits, but to this patient they are extraordinary, and Tanya made me feel so much more comfortable in a not so comfortable situation.
Thank you for the 'Tanya's" of Banner University. Employees like Tanya make difficult procedures so much easier to deal with.