I have had the fortunate opportunity to work alongside Richard Piccuito during my time as a physical therapist on the Ellison 14 Burn and Plastics Unit. Upon rotating to this unit, I quickly learned that Richard is incredibly professional hard-working, and knowledgeable in the field of nursing. Additionally, he has a deep understanding of the role that each member of the multi-disciplinary team which allows his practice to be focused on patient-centered care. He can connect with patients and their family members on a meaningful level and demonstrates empathy towards all. Though I have had many positive experiences with Richard one specific moment really resonates. We shared a patient who was in the middle of an extended hospital course. Richard provided care to this patient on several occasions and in my interactions, I noted that he was a calming factor for the patient and his family. He conversed with them on a human level, focusing on getting to know them outside of the medical circumstances. He even brought in a pair of socks with little designs/pictures that related to one of the patient's hobbies. The family reported to me that they felt absolute comfort in the care the patient was receiving when Richard was present. On one day at the beginning of my shift, I discussed with Richard my plan for the PT session which included the use of a standing gait harness to facilitate walking for the first time during this patient's admission. In true form, Richard spent the morning prepping this patient for our session. He completed extended dressing changes, provided meds, ensured the patient had no bathroom needs and was in the chair in time for my arrival. I typically receive this patient reclined in the chair and somewhat sleepy in this position. I couldn't help but smile when I arrived to see Richard sitting next to the patient and our patient was bolt upright in the chair- quite alert and interacting. Additionally, Richard had taken the time to get the patient dressed in a shirt, pair of shorts, socks, and sneakers as opposed to the typical hospital gown. The family was so pleased with the way the patient appeared. This absolutely set the stage for what ended up being a turning point in the patient's physical abilities. I have no doubt that Richard's preparation allowed for a more interactive engaged patient - and allowed for the patient to make progress with his mobility. Though it may not seem like a lot to anyone else, the fact that this patient was dressed in real clothing and sitting upright and engaging was so meaningful to the family members and other providers assisting with care. I always feel so confident that Richard's patients will receive the absolute highest level of care. This is only one example of many encounters I have had with Richard in which he demonstrated patient and family-centered care and went above and beyond to create an environment to promote health and overall patient well-being. When I look at my patient schedule in the morning and I see that Richard is the nurse for one of my patients I know that he will make every effort to prep the patient for our session assist with accommodating my scheduling needs and he will be physically present and assisting throughout my session. Any patient is lucky to have Richard as a nurse as he attempts to connect to his patients on a meaningful level and provides so much ease to family members as well.
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Rich has been a nurse for many years. Previously working as a respiratory therapist, then a home care nurse, finally ending here. He is known on the unit for his full dedication to patients and families. Every day Rich comes to work early to begin preparing for his day. He then spends each shift doing everything he can to improve the comfort and care for his patients. Rich often gets very creative to help patients. He introduced us to the "Jackie", a jacket given for free to patients who have undergone breast surgery and have drains to manage post-op. The Jackie contains pockets for drains to sit in. Patients love them and feel so much better after receiving them. Rich always goes above and beyond for our sickest patients. Our patients recovering can count on Rich to help them into their home clothes, get out of bed, and being as active as possible. He has also been known to make devices at home specifically for patients with unique needs. In the past, I have seen him drive to a patient's home to gather some of their personal belongings prior to them being evicted. He has driven family members home who have no other way of getting there. At work, he is known as Jack of all trades. He can help anyone out of a bind without another thought. He is so knowledgeable and a resource to many on the floor. It is a unanimous thought throughout the floor that Rich deserves recognition for all he does.
Rich is always going above and beyond to help our patients. He cares for everyone so well and always puts the patient first. Rich is constantly providing them with comfort and love. He even will buy things for patients and bring in items from home to give to patients to make them more comfortable. He recently brought in a stroller for a young patient with an 18-month child who didn't have one or couldn't afford one. I truly cannot think of a nurse more deserving of this recognition than Rich. He is the humblest person I have ever worked with and he never asks for anything in return. Rich is also extremely close to retirement, and this would really validate a career of caring and compassion. He is truly the definition of the nurse we should all strive to be.
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Richard always goes above and beyond his standard nurse duties to normalize his patient's hospital experience. He takes patients outside, showers them, brings in clothes for them, and is always welcoming to family and friends. He is always around to help a fellow nurse with any and all tasks. He loves to share his tips and tricks with our newer staff. Not only does he care for his patients through his capacity as a nurse, he cares for them as a human and it shows. Rich is a gem and we are so lucky to have him on our unit.
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Richard is always going out of his way to help patients feel better and provides exceptional care. He is always going above and beyond to bring in clothes, personal items, and things for the patient's family members. Richard brought in a baby carriage for a patient before. He is very kind and selfless. He spends most of his shift talking to his patients and getting to know them well. He brought in clothes for a patient who had been here for months that is always cold. He is always lapping around the unit looking to help any patient/nurse. He is full of positive energy and is a great team leader. All of Richard's patients compliment how smart, sweet, and creative he is. He has precepted many nurses in the ICU and is an exceptional teacher. He has worked here for a long time and is a great resource. Richard is a reliable and wise nurse. He is an Extraordinary Nurse.
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I have known/worked with Rich for many years. His commitment to his patients has always inspired me. There have been numerous examples of when Rich has taken time out of his own day and day off, for that matter, to help an admitted patient who was getting evicted, pick up his belongings given the patient had a developmentally delayed daughter. The patient himself had no other social supports to assist him. Another example of Rich's patient-centered mentality is putting the patient's needs above his own on a particularly busy day when he was doing dressings for a burn patient requiring multiple vent setting changes and pain management. Here comes physical therapy hoping to mobilize the patient to aide her ventilation. Rich and said PT, created time and plan. Upon PT returning, Rich was still behind due to having a busy day. Many others in Rich's position would have deferred PT or asked them to return, but not Rich. He understands the importance of mobility to this patient, chose the patient-centered route, and not what would make his day easier. He assisted mobilizing this patient with myself, which had positive effects on her ventilation. With Rich's flexibility and selflessness, this patient would not have gotten mobilized. This is just one example of Rich's great care and dedication to his patients. He is a role model for all staff and an excellent example of patient-centered care.