Patient Stories

Special Thanks to Our Nurses

Good work rarely goes unrecognized. The following notes and letters are from patients who wanted to recognize and applaud the excellent care they received from UConn Health Center nurses.

Adult Ambulatory Care Unit

Christine Kopcha, R.N., and Patty Pearce, R.N., combine the unusual combination of professionalism and true warmth and compassion. They are GREAT! Please acknowledge them.

Cancer Center

To Kristi: May your many kindnesses come back to you thousand fold! Thank you so much. You have made the dread of chemo a little easier. You are a comfort to me and all you treat (I see it on their faces). Thank you for taking the time to share with me also – it is nice to have a genuine nurse!

To Kristi: I’m much more grateful than words can show. I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful care you gave my wife. You are an exceptional nurse and person. I will never forget how much you cared for my wife.

Dear Kristi: I would like to offer you my heartfelt thanks for all that you did for mom and dad. Your sincerity and quick responses made you my mom’s go to, and she really came to rely on you. While there is great sadness that my dad is gone, there is comfort in realizing how many special people these events brought into our lives and you are undeniably one of them.

Dear Kristi: Thanks for your care and putting up with me. Happy Valentine’s Day.

To Susan, Abby, Kristi and Team: Thank you so much for your expert guidance through a difficult and yet oh so rewarding time as my mother learned she had cancer, entered Hospice and wrapped up the last days of a wonderful life. As you know, she was full of gratitude and ready “to go home.” Your teamwork with the nurses of McClean Hospice was superb. My heart overflows and with my entire family we thank you. Mom died in September.

I would not forgive myself if I didn't try to write to thank you. But I don't think any words could possibly be adequate to express my feelings of gratitude to you. How do you thank a person for saving your health and extending your life? It's impossible. I think of all the people on the 6th floor and that line from a Paul Simon song comes to mind, "These are the days of miracles and wonders..." Anyway, thank you. I go to church and on my knees I say "Thank you for Dr. Hook and all the people on the 6th Floor." What luck. What blessings. Take care of yourself. All the best to you and yours. I hope we meet again one day.

Dermatology

Lea, I just have to tell you that you are a great nurse. I was your patient a week ago and you were very kind to me. You explained everything before you did it and that really helped me. Your bedside manner is the best and I love your accent. Keep doing what you’re doing because God is watching.

Emergency Department

I am writing you to thank you for the recent experience we had at John Dempsey Hospital. My 18 year-old son was experiencing severe abdominal pain one morning in December. During a physician’s exam at 4:15 p.m. that day, he presented with pain in his lower right abdomen. He was directed to a different hospital for a possible appendicitis. After almost four hours with no medical attention, we proceeded to John Dempsey Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) where he was immediately examined, and subsequently diagnosed and started on antibiotic IV in approximately two hours. With appendicitis confirmed, Dr. McFadden performed the surgery. From Anthony, the ED nurse who examined him, to James, the ED nurse who drew blood, to Acacia and Gina, his nurses on the 7th floor, Brian who transported him, Evelyn the OR nurse, Shirley the recovery room nurse, the room service staff taking meal orders and delivering same, Dr. Shawn London and Dr. Adam Carrado in ED, anesthesiologists Dr. Chang and Dr. Shaw, and Dr. McFadden, his surgeon, the entire staff moved with efficiency and effectiveness. They also conveyed to my son that they genuinely cared about his welfare. He commented to me while recovering at home, “I didn’t like having surgery, but I enjoyed being in the hospital. Everyone was so nice to me and they took such good care of me.” We convey our appreciation to everyone who cared for my son. I am grateful for the high quality care he received at John Dempsey Hospital.

First Floor

Nurse Ratchet, all nursing staff and everyone who cared for me – I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are in my thoughts always. It was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. I still am NOT and never will use “plastic” silverware ever again, or, walk in a circle – ha, ha. In the wind always, God Bless. Thoughts and prayers will always be in my heart. I am doing very well today because of the constant care you all gave me. I hope all the good you do comes back to you.

Maternity, Labor and Delivery, Ob/Gyn

This note is to thank you for the wonderful care my daughter received while on the maternity floor for eleven weeks. Every nurse, nursing assistance, social worker, and housekeeping person went out of their way to make her stay comfortable and as safe as possible. Both she and her husband felt they were provided with the most professional, knowledgeable, and caring nurses and assistants. Every question and concern was answered in a timely and serious manner. Although we visited every day, we never felt she was without the most skilled and sympathetic nursing staff possible. We will forever be grateful to everyone in Maternity/Labor and Delivery at John Dempsey Hospital and will tell everyone of our excellent experience.

JoAnn Cipriano, R.N., in Labor and Delivery was an awesome nurse. This was my fourth delivery and she made it the best one.

I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with the care I received while staying here. The nurses and assistants were absolutely amazing. I do not have one negative thing to say about anyone. I would like to recognize nurse Jenny. She was by far the sweetest, most caring woman. She helped me get through some rough emotional patches. She obviously cares about her patients and deserves to be rewarded. Also, Eileen is the best assistant ever! Thank you to everyone!

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the staff at this hospital. All the staff has been extremely helpful. The staff here is knowledgeable and very experienced. We couldn’t have picked a better place to have our baby. We are very thankful and pleased with the service and treatment we received here at UConn. Thank you very, very, very much.

Neurology

Nancy, thank you for all you do for Dr. Waitzman to keep him afloat with all of us “crazy” patients. Most of all thank you for being there to get my med request done (they always seems to fall on a Friday)! Please enjoy this handmade bag from Sri Lanka that my parents brought back for me about 20 years ago.

New England Musculoskeletal Institute

I had outpatient surgery in July to reattach my hamstring tendon to my pelvis. The pre-op calls were very helpful and thorough. The nurses were so nice and pleasant. Once surgery time came, the on duty nurses (Kim, Meribeth, Amy, Becky, and Tammy) were just great, very caring and friendly. I feel that their attention and support made the difference in my experience. Their support, also lended to the comfort, confidence and reassurance of both my mother and husband, who were there with me. Keep up the good work, and I encourage retraining such staff as they go a long way to enhance the experience of future patients and family. I may not want to water ski jump again, but am encouraged at the prospect to continue competitive slalom skiing next year.

Dear Kim, Rachel, Vinnie, Joanne and Lisa: Thank you for the excellent care you provided for me in November, when Dr. Beebe repaired my left rotator cuff. The kindness and professionalism you all exhibited made me feel secure and comfortable during my time at the surgery center. You're the best!

I recently had eye surgery at the UConn Farmington Surgery Center. Not having previously undergone such a procedure, my apprehension was highlighted simply because it is difficult for those of us without medical training to understand the process of surgery. I need not have worried. What I witnessed from the very first second upon arrival was a group of professionals who insisted upon quality and distinction in dispensing kindness and superb medical care. In addition the kindness towards my wife and driver while awaiting my post-operative recovery seems to echo the presence of compassionate goodness. In my care as the patient, there were not stumbles in this well-oiled machine where it was clear that excellence always involved discipline and tenacity of purpose. In the DNA of Amy, Mary and Becky in Holding, of Pat, Rachel, Sue and Kim in the OR and of Tami and other names I cannot remember, is entrenched the essence of what H. B. Conant meant when he said “each honest calling, each walk of life, has its own elite, its own aristocracy based upon excellence of performance.” The memory of the care I received will continue to sing in the mind and is fondly remembered. Please pass along my thanks to the team.

In March, I underwent a second eye surgery at the UConn Farmington Surgery Center. While the team in charge of my care was different from that of my first eye surgery in February, the quality of care I received was no less impressive and no less outstanding. The care I received clearly indicates that the RNs Sharon and Trisha, Mark – the MA, as well as Kim in the pre-op, Pat B. the OR Nurse, and the rest of the team are standard bearers upholding the noble legacy of Florence Nightingale nursing the wounded at Balaclava. They clearly cherish what Whitehead called the habitual vision of greatness. In so doing they are enrolled in the ancient and meaningful cause – the struggle of humans to realize the best that is in them as well as strongly believing in the dignity and work of the individual. They nurture and inspire because their excellence involves doing something well and displaying kindness, honesty and courage. They encourage excellence, stir ambition and inspire emulation. In short they savor what is best in all areas of human activity. I am forever grateful for the care and attention I received.

Surgery 7

“Thank you” is a simple phrase, but still it’s meant to show that we appreciate your kindness more than you could know. Thank you for taking such good care of me during my recent hospital stay. Your kindness and patience meant so much to me. God bless each of you!

I apologize for this long overdue thank you note – it goes out to the UConn 7th floor surgical recovery team and includes but not limited to: doctors, PA’s, nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists, housekeeping, and kitchen staff. You all played a key role in helping me get through a very traumatic injury. In total, I spent 21 days on your floor and really appreciate everything everyone did to help me get through this difficult time. You are a great team and should be very proud of yourselves. I especially liked the way you fill in for each other when the assigned person is busy with another patient. My recovery is going good. I was allowed to start 50% weight bearing at 10 weeks increasing to 100% in one month. The bones are healing well. Range of motion is at 60 degrees and on hold due to movement of the patellar tendon mounting location. Based on my orthopaedic surgeon's assessment a total knee replacement is in my future. So, I may be seeing many of you again for that surgery. Thanks again for your professionalism, you compassion to those in pain and need, and your smiling faces – they definitely help put a smile on patient faces. I do hope to get back on your floor, when I am more mobile, and play some guitar for you and the patients. Wishing you continued happiness and health. Slainte Mhaith! (Gaelic for ‘Good Health’) P.S. Stay below 60 mph when skiing – it can be dangerous!

Thank you for all the care and compassion you showed during my husband’s stay here! You all made his stay here so much better than it would have been without each and every one of you! Your kind and friendly attitudes will never be forgotten! And thank you for making me feel like a part of your little family. In a crazy way we miss you!

Psychiatry

I have received excellent care. Everyone has been understanding and tried to help me. I would like to do volunteer work on a psychiatric unit.

Karen C. displayed the utmost patience, consideration, tolerance and devotion to my stay on the psychiatry floor. She is truly and angel in disguise.

Jean was especially kind and caring during the difficult first day of my stay. She took the time to sit with me and made me feel cared for. I truly appreciate it.

To Lucja: She has a big heart and is so knowledgeable and dedicated to her patients.

Thank you – one and all – it’s been a glorious vacation. Dr. Shea and your wonderful staff – I will remember you always. I love all of you and wish I could take you with me.

Many, many thanks to everyone for caring from my Mom – you guys are great!

Everyone here is considerate and kind. My needs were taken care of. I thank everyone for their concern.

The nurses on this unit are kind, understanding, and made me feel special. They explained things and were all professional.