Olivia Matteis
May 2025
Olivia
Matteis
,
Registered Nurse
Medical-Surgical-Pediatric
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
St. Johnsbury
,
VT
United States

 

 

 

Olivia was gentle and kind and praised him no matter what mini strides he made.
My 79-year-old father was admitted after a drastic decline in his health. He was eating and drinking very little and was unable to walk even short distances. On Dad’s 1st day, Olivia came in with her bubbly personality and kind words. She noticed right off that my dad was frustrated and often undecisive. She was able to turn his mood around with her humor and spunk. She gave him challenges to complete, such as drinking water and ginger ale, and each time he succeeded because of her belief in him. Olivia was gentle and kind and praised him no matter what mini strides he made. She even visited him on a day she wasn’t assigned to him. Olivia checked in, gave him her smile, and said she was sad that he wasn’t on her list for the day. Three days into my dad’s stay, he was able to walk the loop—this was huge! Olivia came right over and praised him, encouraging him. Olivia was also supportive of my mom and me. She explained things clearly and answered our questions. Olivia always checked in on us as well. I feel that this nurse is deserving of this Award. Her care and compassion did not go unnoticed by my dad, my mom, or me.