Viktoria Swanson, BSN, RN

My mother was in the hospital, and Viktoria took the time to always keep me informed of what was going on with her care. She called me back when the Doctors weren’t keeping me informed about what was happening. When she knew my mother was having a procedure, which I needed to be notified about before anything regarding her healthcare was done, she called me to make sure someone had called to inform me. She was very kind to my mother and me. She understood how compromised my mother is. She never made me feel rushed. She listened to all my concerns and took the time to address any questions I had. Truly an amazing nurse and human being. She made me feel confident that I would be informed before anything was done to my mother, as long as she was on shift. I cannot thank her enough.

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Viktoria possesses a natural, unforced likeability that makes a patient feel very comfortable. Viktoria is an absolute asset to the Atlantic Health System. I worked for PSE&G for many years, and I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that “my” company would hire her on the spot. My hiring manager would notice her absolute golden ability to make people feel respected, liked, understood, and cared for. Any company should know that you can train technically, but you can’t train likable. She doesn’t need any training on how to treat people; she should be teaching the class. My wife kept fawning over the fact that Viktoria’s heart and mind are truly those of a sweet person. How you convey your thoughts is extremely important, especially in a hospital setting. Our entire family agrees that Viktoria deserves any accolades she receives. Please consider Viktoria for this DAISY Award. We are totally convinced she should receive it. Thank you so much for everything, Viktoria!

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I can truly attribute my recovery to the dedication of the health care professionals on both day and night shift. However, I would be amiss if I didn't give a special shout-out and thank you to Viktoria Swanson. In this day of treating patients by the numbers, she sees the person. She listens, takes the time to explain medical treatments, and is a strong patient advocate who immediately chases down answers. Viktoria gives her undivided attention and makes you the center of the universe. Her presence lights up the room and sends infectious positive vibes. It's because of that personality overload that some may not even realize how extraordinary a nurse she is. She reviews the patient’s plan of care and proactively responds to changes in treatment. Newton Medical Center is lucky to have such a dynamic and dedicated nurse.

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My 91-year-old mother entered the hospital with a severe bowel obstruction that would not clear despite every type of medical intervention we attempted. She sadly became frustrated and severely depressed, giving up hope and the will to live. I walked out of her hospital room sobbing miserably because I could not console and motivate my mother no matter how hard I tried. Viktoria saw me leave the room in a sea of tears and secretly followed me down the hall. She hugged and reassured me with magical words of wisdom to ease my pain. My spirits were lifted as I walked to the lobby to take a breath.

The next day, Mom had a medical crisis needing a rapid response call. Viktoria leaped into action and came to our rescue. She somehow found the time to simultaneously sit with me calmly in the hall to explain everything to ease my fears, while at the same time working her magic alongside the medical response team to resolve my mother's medical crisis. Mom eventually moved off of Viktoria's floor to the cardiac care unit. Viktoria made a point of being there through the transition, with more hugs and reassurance that my mother was a special lady and that she would be in good hands. While in her embrace, I whispered in her ear that she was my angel. I told her there is a saying that goes: “People may not always remember exactly what you said or did, but they will always remember how you make them feel.” Viktoria was that person for me.