During my recent hospitalization, Tiffany made a lasting impact on my life with her remarkably excellent care.

I was on my way to play tennis when someone sped through a red light and smashed into my driver’s door. After hours in the emergency department, I ended up on 6 South, where I met Tiffany.

With Tiffany, I was quickly aware of her warmth, kindness, sense of humor and generally upbeat attitude. I also saw that she noticed me as the specific person I am, and not just another anonymous patient. She asked me about myself, listened to me and remembered my answers. I felt I had a friend in the hospital.

I am invested in my health, and I ask a lot of questions of healthcare providers. While some seem annoyed by this, Tiffany answered patiently, and if she didn’t know the answer, she would find out for me. I always felt respected and cared for. I also noticed that Tiffany did every aspect of her job with extra compassion and care. When Tiffany came into our double room at night, she would be quiet as a cat, whisper my name and take care of her task, without alarming me in my sleep. She also responded to every alarm from those infernal beeping machines quicker than anyone else. 

I respected Tiffany. One day, I missed lunch because I was involved in tests. Someone heated up my tray and I had just tasted my soup when she said, “You are to be NPO today.” I immediately covered up my soup, but also asked, “Why? There is nothing scheduled.” She agreed to check. It turned out the NPO wasn’t to start until midnight, but the summary on her home screen made it look like it started right away. We laughed, and I enjoyed my lunch. Her willingness to dig into the issue made my day nicer.

Although I had been injured in the accident, during my stay on 6 South, I did not feel sick. When I had a whole weekend of nothing but waiting for tests to happen on Monday, Tiffany, with the consent of her charge nurse, gave me permission to exercise by walking the halls. When I wanted my friends to visit, but didn’t want to disturb my sick roommate, she gave me a hall pass so I could meet my visitors, play cards and see vacation photos in the Atrium. This cheered me up and made my waiting bearable. 

These special privileges were part of Tiffany’s recognition of my individuality. I love moving. I thrive on social interaction. I like to understand what is going on. The fact that she honored these things was part of her outstanding care of me. 

Please join me in honoring this superb woman and nurse. Thank you!