Suzie had a big impact on me during my time at UCLA's impatient adult eating disorders unit. Like nearly all the nurses, she was caring and attentive. But Suzie went the extra mile with patients, individually and as groups. An example of the latter was how she handled mealtimes (always difficult for ED patients.) She never simply sat at the table to monitor patients; she actively fostered friendly engaged conversation - or a game! - That involved every nervous patient and took our minds off the eating experience (or, at least associated it with a sense of light heartedness and community.) I admit, I was reluctant to participate at first, but I couldn't help myself. No matter how upset or anxious I felt about other issues with my treatment, family, etc., Suzie made it nearly impossible not to be happy around her!
But it was individually, one-on-one, with patients where I felt Suzie's dedication and talents shone even more brightly. All the nurses on the unit dutifully perform at least one private "check-in" with each of their patients per shift to give their feelings, experiences, thoughts, emotions, joys and struggles of the day, particularly with regard to their treatment and recovery. Suzie was not only visibly engaged in active listening, but she asked follow up questions, provided the feedback, and sometimes suggested things that patients hadn't thought to ask about. I'm my case, she encouraged me on several occasions to request new challenges from my treatment team, and assured me she believed I was ready for them, even when I doubted myself. Without her help I wouldn't be leaving impatient for a step-down program after 2.5 weeks. Suzie helped me believe I could recover and now I know I am! Thank you Suzie!