In this season of gratitude, I have taken a great deal of time to reflect, meditate, and pray about the incredible blessings I have in my life. Due to end-stage liver disease, I have been diagnosed and treated by many different branches of our University of Missouri Health Care system. While all have been positive experiences, one department rises highly above all of the rest: Interventional Radiology.
When I come to your department for an appointment, I am greeted courteously and promptly by a PSR. I wait in your comfortable waiting room and almost every single procedure I have had (at least 10-12 in the last 6 months) Tina Remlinger has personally come to the waiting room to greet me and take me back. Each time, she observes the 10/5 rule (often going even further with a sincere hug), gives me a warm welcome and anticipates my needs. She uses a comforting, soothing voice and leaves a big impact. When she says she will do something, she follows through with it. She gives me everything I need but does not over-do it (even when I ask for MORE warm blankets)! She is often innovative, finding different types of tape as my skin is sensitive, and making sure the antiseptic is washed off with a warm cloth prior to my departure because I usually go straight back to work. Tina always has the time to answer my questions. When my procedure is over, she walks me back out and gives a hug if I want one.
I recently found myself at UHC in the ICU due to a severe GI bleed. When I checked in to ICU, I asked the nurse to let Tina know that I had been admitted. I had no idea that she would show up within an hour to check on me, make sure I was ok, and give me a supportive squeeze. As I had no family member present due to other circumstances, it was very reassuring and comforting to see a face I knew and trusted. The folks in I.R. will tell you that I'm a pretty good patient—brave, always cracking jokes, smiling, cajoling the staff, bringing cookies, etc. But that day in ICU I was really scared. No other way to say it. Tina's small act of compassion made a very big impact. I knew somehow that she had my back and would let my team know that I was there and that I was ok. I felt that the entire I.R. team was with me; that I had their support, and that made my experience much less frightening.
Other than regular visits to my PCP, I have not previously felt a connection to a Health Care Team. Due to my frequent visits to I.R. and their over-the-top patient care, I now do.
Dr. K recently performed a procedure on the portal vein of my liver that could potentially make me see I.R. much less frequently, if at all. I do not want the opportunity to recognize them pass by. The team must be recognized for what they do. Specifically, I would like to nominate Tina Remlinger for the DAISY Award. I know that this award carries a very high distinction and I do not make this nomination lightly or even because I am fond of her. I am recommending her because she's a darn good nurse and deserves every bit of recognition she could possibly get from University of Missouri Health Care. I am certain that she has positively impacted many more lives than just mine.