Wendy Simonich
August 2016
Wendy
Simonich
,
BSN, RN
Infectious Disease / HIV
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

I was calling the clinic to establish a new patient visit for a young gentleman who unfortunately was newly diagnosed with HIV. When I first called, I was transferred through to Wendy who at that moment of time explained that I wanted to get an appointment for my patient prior to going into the room to explain to the patient and his mother this terrifying new diagnosis. Right away, Wendy was very compassionate and knowledgeable about telling me about the process of getting an appointment. She offered contact information if the patient or mother had more questions.
After our discussion, she even said she had time to leave the Children's campus and swing by our clinic to talk to the patient and mother if they requested. I was blown away that a nurse could and would be willing to interrupt her busy day to come to our office to provide additional support and knowledge to my patient.
After I went into the room to give this diagnosis, the family was immediately thankful with tears that I could offer more resources for Wendy to come to them after the initial shock of this diagnosis to offer more support. Wendy arrived within 20 minutes of calling her back and spent approximately 1.5 hours with the family.
As a professional and dealing with the everyday craziness of clinic life where you are seeing up to 30 patients a day, it was so reassuring that Wendy was able to come that day to provide her expertise to this scared boy and his mother. I cannot praise Wendy enough and want her to know that I appreciate everything she did for my patient and they, too, were appreciative that they could go home from our clinic knowing that there is hope with this terminal diagnosis.
Once again sincerest gratitude to you, Wendy. I have the best feeling he will be in incredible hands and will be able to have a bright future with dedicated and compassionate caregivers. Thank you for all you do!