Tamara met with me to provide instructions/training on ostomy care and wound care for my mother. She took her time outlining the importance of skin protection to prevent irritation while also providing step-by-step instructions on sealing the pouching system to prevent leakage by accurately measuring the stoma beforehand.

Tamara also took the time to show me how to properly clean the skin and pack my mother’s deep surgical wounds. During this process, she not only provided patient support directly to my mother in helping her feel comfortable, but she also ensured my mother was bathed after observing that the tube used to drain her urine was not reconnected.

My mother had been sitting in her own urine for hours soiled. Tamara made sure my mother had a complete bath and was clean/comfortable. Tamara also provided her contact information upon completion of the instruction to ensure my mother would have the best support upon her release. So, if we had questions, we could reach her.

Overall, Tamara not only provided deep care and compassion, but she was also the first nurse to listen to my mother’s concerns and provide a voice for her. She made sure my mother would receive great care from us upon discharge by demonstrating those skills so we could be more of a help to my mother when she returned home. It means so much to our family and my mother, who is the center of our lives.