Around 2 am our daughter and son-in-law ended up in Miami Valley North ED with an early stillbirth. As my daughter described the nightmare that she and her husband endured that night, we noticed that woven throughout her retelling ran a strong, vibrant thread of how much help and comfort Nurse Rita was to them in the midst of a truly horrible situation. Rita was the advocate they desperately needed whether she knew it or not, or intended it or not, her actions were those of an angel among us.
Nothing is going to bring our little grandson back to us and there is no way to put a price on the compassion and professionalism that Rita demonstrated. We simply wanted to make you aware of the immense service she performed for our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, and how much we appreciate it on their behalf.
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I have worked with many top-notch nurses over the years and I have never worked with such an exceptional nurse as Rita. She exemplifies and lives the mission of Premier Health's Core Values as she truly respects the dignity of her patients, their families, and her co-workers. This nurse always does the best for the patient as a patient advocate going above and beyond for the patient in need. Many times, I have seen this nurse at the patient's bedside listening, advocating, and supporting not only the patient but their family also.
I saw this in action when we had a couple arrive in MVHN ER and the young woman gave birth to a stillborn baby. Rita's demonstration of compassion, care, and empathy for this couple brought tears to my eyes because of her amazing skills. You would never know that her expertise is not maternity as she comforted and helped this couple through this tragedy with finesse. She was present with them throughout their stay. With 2020 being the year of the nurse, Florence would be so proud of Rita and that the profession of nursing will move forward with nurses like her. Rita would say she is just doing her job, yet she does it with the utmost humbleness.