I would like to recognize a Nurse known as Jill on Bean 5. She was my day nurse for many consecutive days. (I believe her actual name is Jillian but I do not know her last name. She often works as a team with Marcelle).

Jill’s clinical expertise is derived from sheer, unflagging competence. About 20 days into my stay the hospital floors started to get very busy with additional patients. There was sometimes congestion in the corridors while attempting transport to treatments; wait times for lift assists, etc. Jill was a master at managing my need for food, timed with medications, medications at multiple times throughout the day, scheduling and coordinating with the various departments so that in-patient appointments were at consistent and known times. She did all of this while encouraging me to get stronger and more able to withstand the confines of my limited mobility.

Jill got me walking again. She encouraged me. She managed nausea brought on by radiation. She managed changing pain needs. In short, she provided consistence that allowed me to heal. And her discharge planning was amazing. Where there were questions, for example, could I do stairs, she contacted the right folks and made sure I had training and the confidence to move forward. When there were questions regarding limitations, she contacted the neurologists directly (they ordered an immediate x-ray for confirmation). She coordinated my discharge medicines the day before, knowing there are often problems (there were). She pushed the case workers to resolve issues. In short, she was an unbelievable advocate to ensure my timely discharge after 34 days, and for that I am grateful.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I appreciate the care I have received at Maine Medical Center and hope that the hospital continues to improve into the future.