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Publications & Resources > The Standard > December 2004

  Last modified Dec. 2, 2004

In Praise of Nurses

The College welcomes letters commending outstanding nursing care. Accepted are original signed letters from the client/family member or an original signed letter from the facility/agency with a copy of the author’s letter, and the author’s approval to publish it. Letters may be condensed for publication.

June 24, 2004

My mother Gladys Stuart was a resident of Leisureworld Caregiving Centre in North Bay from April 7, 2003 to April 2, 2004.

The nursing staff was professional, caring, kind and patient. It’s a hard decision for a family member to make — placing a loved one in a nursing home — but the whole experience was one filled with support and understanding.

Never did I hear a cross or frustrated word from any of the staff. Time was taken to explain any procedure or medication change. I felt I was included in all decisions.

On the day of my mother’s passing, the staff supported me and made sure my mom was comfortable. I would like to commend all the staff for the work they did for my mother. You helped her live her life to the fullest.

– Sandra Harkness, RN Via e-mail

 

June 29, 2004

Many times we only write to complain or to unburden ourselves, especially when the subject is health care. But I needed to write with thanks for the care and compassion of the wonderful nurses at the pain clinic at Hamilton General Hospital.

Pain is a specialized field, and so often the nurses work with people in agony and with those who need a sympathetic ear. In the care before and after such procedures as regular epidurals, the nurses at this clinic provide patients with love, shoulders to cry on, and deep souls to hear the pain.

Admittedly, this cannot be an easy job, as pain patients often spend time talking about problems. These nurses listen with empathy. For those who’d rather talk of anything else, they are only too happy to speak of gardens, movies and the traffic.

I hope that you are able to recognize these most remarkable professionals whom I have known for over a year.

Congratulations on having such wonderful nurses in your organization.

– Paul Chappel Via e-mail

 

August 2, 2004

I am writing to acknowledge the care my mother received from the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and was quite well up until January of this year. Her health declined slowly until the end of April when her condition rapidly changed. At this time, the CCAC arranged for VON support so my mother could remain at home.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude and thanks for the care, support and compassion we received. They cared for the whole family, recognizing how her illness was impacting us all — all the while ensuring that my mother’s symptoms were well controlled. They taught us how to give her medication and manage her symptoms, and they provided tips on how to care for her.

Each nurse cared for our mother with a high level of knowledge, thoughtfulness and compassion. Kathryn Lannigan, RN, explained the role of the VON and ensured that we understood how they would be there to help us. She visited often and even stayed past her shift when needed. She answered all of our questions and spent a great deal of time listening to us. She was there to pronounce my mother’s death and help me say good-bye to her.

Noella Armstrong, RN, was my mother’s nurse when she was first diagnosed, and it was so nice to see her again. She taught us how to give her medications using the butterfly needles and taught me how to change the sites when needed.

Barbara Conrad, RN, was my saviour in the night. When my mother’s condition changed dramatically, she came in the wee hours of the morning to help me through the crisis and explain what was happening. I don’t think I was willing to acknowledge that my mother was dying until Barbara explained, very gently, that the end was near. She calmed me down, called the doctor and explained how I was to keep my mom comfortable during her last few hours and supported our wish to keep her at home.

Even though I have been a nurse for 20 years, this type of care was new to me. Their ingenuity amazed me, and I will forever sing their praises when I speak of this experience. I could not have done this without the help of these nurses. I felt that their care should be acknowledged and praised.

– Ann Jarvie, RN London

 

August 4, 2004

On May 26, 2004, we placed my father in respite care at the Queensway Courtyard, Trillium Health Center. As a man afflicted with MS for over 50 years, he had endured countless remissions and exacerbations and required full nursing care. From the moment that we entered the medical wing, the nursing staff made my father and mother very comfortable. From advance directives to dietary needs and preferences, their attention to every detail regarding his care was remarkable.

During his stay, he was cared for by compassionate, attentive and thoughtful nursing staff. They spoke to him with patience and devotion and always made him smile. They maintained his routine schedule of daily care so that he would feel content.

He developed pneumonia during his stay and necessary palliative measures were initiated. The advance directives, addressed on admission, were managed to the last detail and my father was at all times cared for with dignity. My father’s spiritual needs were well accommodated by the nursing staff. They went to extraordinary lengths to locate a priest in the middle of the night to administer the sacrament of the sick. And when a priest could not be located, they found a chaplain who was able to pray with my father.

Nursing staff would finish their evening shift and remain behind to ensure our family’s comfort during his final days. It was a difficult time for us, and I feel fortunate that his time at the courtyard was enhanced by the nursing staff. Their attention to each detail of his care will always be a unique memory. We remain eternally grateful for our experience in this wonderful unit.

The commitment to compassionate care and the ability of all staff to connect with our family in a very human way was truly inspiring. It was a privilege for my father to be in your care.

–Janice Williams, RN Via e-mail

 

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