My mother was in for a procedure and needed an IV. I told Alyssa, my mother’s nurse, that it’s always difficult for medical staff to put the needle in. She looked at my 92-year-old mother’s arm and veins and said it would be best to have the needle inserted using ultrasound; she didn’t want to hurt my mother by having to do multiple pokes to find a good vein. She brought an expert back to do the procedure. Alyssa was so respectful and kind to my mom, and when she noticed several skin issues, she ensured those would be properly addressed. She provided the best cream for my mom to take home to calm her red, irritated skin. When she spotted a large bandaid on Mom’s arm, she explained the correct way to care for a skin tear on Mom’s paper-thin skin. She kept my mother warm with blankets and chatted with us while providing care. She seemed to know that would help us relax prior to the procedure. Afterward, when the doctor came out, Alyssa found me in the waiting room with my briefcase and dinner in front of me. She said, "Go speak with the doctor while he is still here, and don’t worry, I’ll stay and watch your things until you come back."

Prior to the procedure my mother’s blood pressure was very, very high, however, during the procedure they were able to bring it down to normal. Just before my mom was to be discharged, her blood pressure shot up again. I was worried it would get dangerously high and no BP medication would be able to be given to her till the next day. Alyssa was determined that she’d do her best to minimize that risk. She was able to get a doctor’s order for my mother to receive the appropriate blood pressure medication before she left the hospital. My mom lives in an assisted living community, and they manage my mother’s medications. They cannot dispense any medication unless they have signed physician’s orders. It was early evening, so there was no chance of getting signed orders till tomorrow. Because of Alyssa’s efforts, my mother’s blood pressure went down and is more stable.

The entire team worked beautifully together. Alyssa was the first person to assist my mother and followed through all the way. Everyone was attentive, answered our questions, and together, made the procedure as easy and comfortable as possible for my mother. My mother and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Thank you to all.