I was in Syracuse to be with my family to attend the wake and funeral service for my older brother. Unfortunately, I had left medical care in Ft. Lauderdale and had to leave and come to Syracuse. Shortly after arriving in Syracuse I got sick again and was admitted. I received excellent care from everyone, but I just need to highlight the services of your nurse Tanya Smith. I was extremely upset being in the hospital, I was sick, I was sad and extremely frustrated with my life. My brother was my best friend and brother all in one. Tanya took the time to attend to my medical needs and was observant enough to realize I was dealing with other things. So, she asked me to talk to her, to see if she could help me. Her positive attitude, added to her professional expertise and wanting to help me made it easier to speak with her. She allowed me to express my emotions and she supported me.
Tanya worked with my family and the doctor to get me released from the hospital. She worked with pharmacy, physical therapy and all others to get me out early so I could go directly to the funeral home. She herself arrived early to her shift to get things going. She arranged for someone to come and clean me and get me dressed. Without her help, direction and taking that extra effort I would not been able to be discharged so early. She even encouraged the doctor to come in early as well. I was amazed at her quality of professional skills but overwhelmed with her personal communication skills. She had me practice how to do things right, walking, sitting, and getting around. Tanya also showed me how to use the foley catheter attachment, the dreaded leg bag and how to hook it to my leg.
With Tanya's help, I was able to attend my brothers' funeral service, see my family and friends as well as deliver the eulogy and then get back home safely. I do believe that all your nurses are excellent in what they do, but I hope you can acknowledge how outstanding Tanya Smith is.