My son has just passed away after several days in the ICU. This has been an extraordinary trauma for my family. Through all the suffering, doubt, and concern, Vanessa's unbelievable spirit carried us through. She is an amazing woman who has an incredible combination of outstanding professional skill, compassion, calmness, and warmth. She was always there for us, never too busy, never saying no, and always figuring out a way to be positive. We always felt so comfortable and safe when she was around for our son. Her care of him was everything a parent could ask for. She delivered medical care but it was always with warmth and softness that made my wife and me feel like she was caring for a member of her own family.
Beyond all of that, Vanessa spoke to us in a way that was reassuring while always accurate and truthful. She didn't try to make our son's dire situation seem suddenly less severe, she just has a way of putting her thoughts and words together that presented the message in a soothing way that helped us deal with this incredible trauma in the best possible way. Though our son passed away this morning, I am so thankful for Vanessa having been his nurse for so much of the time. She is a nurse and person of outstanding kindness and skill.