This is a joint recommendation from me as a family member (spouse) and my husband (patient), a retired surgeon who practiced at REX for 30 years. Rita Udjoh was his day nurse for 3 days following the emergency procedure. He was a miserable feeling patient with nose packs, anemia, and muscle pain. Rita’s professional care was outstanding, but her compassion for his situation was exceptional, this being the 5th episode of bleeding in only 6 weeks. Realizing he was a physician, she also took the time to engage with him on a more detailed level medically, which he greatly appreciated.

The specific situation where she was invaluable was after the hematologist, concerned with blood loss and Hgb 7.6, ordered blood and iron transfusions. The hematologist also wanted a specific blood draw before the transfusions could begin. REX lab was short-staffed that weekend, according to our phlebotomist. Rita stayed on top of things and made sure things moved along in the correct order and as quickly as possible. My husband really felt she ‘saw the whole picture’ when it came to his medical care. The Hospitalist, ENT surgeon, and Hematologist were all popping in and out, but Rita helped us immensely in putting together all their different orders.

My husband’s quote that he asked me to be sure to include: "In all my years of practice, there were many great nurses that I worked with, but Rita really is the Best of the Best!" Thank you!