My eighty-year-old mother had her only, very first surgery today - At 80 years old! My mother is a strong, composed lady who came in at 6:30 am feeling scared, vulnerable, and very much out of place. Vanessa took amazing care of my mother, but equally as important, she built a relationship with her! I watched my mother physically change as Vanessa talked with her. She asked questions, joked, laughed, and took time to reassure my mother. Vanessa is a ray of sunshine, which is why I feel this award is perfect to recognize her warm, happy presence that she shares with her patients.
When my mother was told an instrument that was needed for the surgery hadn't been ordered and that they might have to delay the procedure, Vanessa offered the gentlest and most understanding reassurance that it would all be okay. She promised to keep my mom- who had already been prepped for surgery and was already very nervous- in the loop. She did. It all did work out; the instrument was shipped to Lewiston from Portland and the surgery was able to be performed- a bit later than it had originally been scheduled, but it was performed.
Hours later, and after my mother had been moved to recovery, Vanessa told me she would make sure to reunite my family as soon as possible. When more than enough time had passed and my father, who has dementia, began to get worried and began to pace, I called Vanessa. She quickly came to the waiting area to, this time, offer reassurance to my dad. Then, she connected with the nurses on that floor and soon after my mother arrived in her room from recovery.
Throughout the day, Vanessa made us feel like we were the only family in the hospital. I am sure she made all the families she worked with feel like they were her only priority. Her kindness, attention to physical and emotional care, and follow-through were aspects we so appreciated. She is simply amazing. I appreciate the care Vanessa provided.