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.



