I am writing this on behalf of a patient and his family. The patient was in an accident last fall, which resulted in his being life-flighted to your Burn Unit. Our family was scared and devastated. Along the journey, we met several outstanding nurses, but one stands out among the rest. Her name is Brittney (Britt) Rios.
Being a retired nurse of 43 years, I understand the dedication and commitment it takes to be a nurse. Very few, unfortunately, go above and beyond the standard of practice, however, Britt is one nurse who has done so.
She is not only compassionate, but she is also capable of making decisions best suited for patient care. There are certain innate qualities that make one nurse better than the other. She conducts herself in a professional manner during daily rounds with all other disciplines in attendance. She was focused on the patient and his injury, as an individual, and treated him with respect and dignity. She always listened to his concerns and was able to guide him to make the right decisions affecting his care. She was able to anticipate his needs and was his "cheerleader" every step of the way to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Britt demonstrated problem-solving skills concerning his dressings by using Mepitel prior to some bandage placement which carried over to home after his discharge. She always added a human touch with a kind-hearted attitude, as if he was her only patient. She found humor in a tough situation and not only cared for him but for his family as well. We looked forward to the days that she worked and the times she cared for him, making her the most requested nurse by him. He always felt better in Britt's care and because of her, his day, no matter what happened, was made better with her presence.
She was not only his nurse but his friend. She gained his trust by being true to her word and plan that she set forth for him every day. Britt would "high five" him as he walked the hallways to make him reach to stretch. She put a paper hand over his door to make him reach when he went back into his room. We all felt truly blessed that she came into our lives. As we were being discharged, Britt showed up on her day off to wish him good luck. We cried and laughed as we departed, knowing that future patients will be in good hands, Britt's caring hands.
I would like to take this time to thank everyone involved in my friend's care knowing that it takes a team of professionals and nonprofessionals to get the best outcomes. The University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is a beacon of hope for the many patients they serve. I believe there is no better place to be during a family tragedy.