From a Nurse to the Team who Cared for Her Son

November, 2013

Kitt was Joe’s day shift nurse for the first week and during all but his last consolidation.   I will always think of him as the Nurse of Nurses!  He took his time and explained everything to Joe and me.  Making Joe the expert of his disease was Kitt’s focus.  He included Joe in every part of his care. Kitt was so caring and thorough that I just stood in awe of his phenomenal skill.

I can honestly say I that I looked forward to Joe’s consolidation chemo because I would get to see all of the wonderful people who had cared for Joe, not only physically but emotionally.  The staff treated him like a son, a brother, or a friend. Our entire family felt like we became part of the “family” on your unit. I cannot imagine how different his hospitalizations would have been if he did not have that welcoming feeling from your staff. When Joe arrived for his 3^rd admission, 2^nd consolidation, Gretchen and Carol wrote on the white board, “Welcome back Mr. _____.” With every admission the staff welcomed us like long lost friends!

When I speak of the staff, I am talking about you; your charge nurses, the RN staff, the Nursing Attendants, the housekeeping staff, the unit secretaries and all who came in contact with Joe.  Everyone made a point to say hello to him, share a smile and often a funny story to lift his spirits.

Thank you for saving his life, thank you for making what could have been a very unpleasant five months into five months that I will never forget.  I am singing your praises every day.  I think the staff at my hospital might gag me if I say one more time …  “at Alta Bates, they treat their patients and families like family, why don’t we do that?!?!”  The Nursing practice at Alta Bates is the best I have ever seen! I will forever be your biggest fan!!

All my best,

Jeanne _____
(Joe’s Mom)