I revisited your hospital for colostomy revision surgery and subsequent post-operative recovery. During my stay at Eden, I once again found myself to be under the care of your staff on the 5th floor—with many of the same good people who tended to me during my recovery following my colostomy resection surgery earlier.
I would like to single out one of your nurses who attended to me during both my stays with you and whom I’d like to commend. More than any other single nurse, I was watched over by Marvin Navarro. On each occasion, he was accompanied by a younger nurse newly hired at Eden. He acted as their mentor, guiding and instructing them as they made their rounds together, giving each of them practical knowledge and support as they learned the ropes. As a teacher myself, I was particularly impressed by how effective he was in teaching them—giving them clear guidance, challenging them to grow, offering them added responsibilities as they progressed, and remaining calm and encouraging throughout. Marvin consistently modeled for them a very high level of clinical skill while demonstrating that compassion and a personal touch were also very important in dealing with any patient. I always felt that I was receiving exemplary care from Marvin-- and I’m sure his younger colleagues learned a lot about the professionalism and heart that makes for an exceptional nurse.
I should also tell you that my mother (who’s now in her mid-80’s) was an RN (or as she puts it, “once an RN always an RN”) and worked for over forty years in the profession while raising four children. So I’ve always had a soft spot for nurses—and have long felt that they don’t often get the recognition they deserve. I’m very glad to see that the DAISY Award seeks to acknowledge the skill and service given by these caring professionals.