Patricia Szuwalski
September 2020
Patricia
Szuwalski
,
RN
Women's Health Center
Hackensack Meridian Health - Riverview Medical Center

 

 

 

Just Tricia's presence and touch helped me get through this unnerving and anxious time.
Tricia explained what would happen with the three biopsy procedures I would have on both breasts. She was very patient in answering my questions. I was relieved when she said a chair would be used instead of lying face down on a table for two of the procedures. I have neck and back issues. The morning after one biopsy was taken by ultrasound, I was taken into another room. Tricia helped me get settled into the chair. I was very nervous. She kept talking to me and just put a pillow behind my back. She kept her hand on my back during the first biopsy and while waiting for the second procedure talked to me and kept her hand on my arm. She was such a calming influence on me that they went ahead with the second biopsy.
Just her presence and touch helped me get through this unnerving and anxious time. After getting dressed she went over my instructions and circled and underlined some for easier reading. She was so patient and that helped me to relax.
I'm 83 years old and it was scary but I know it would have been more so if it weren't for Tricia by my side. She was an exceptional, caring nurse and I was fortunate to have her with me.