Quirsten has taken care of my husband in unit 5 West. My husband has Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. Because of his illness, he does not always understand right away when someone tells him something. At the same time, when he tries to articulate his needs, it takes time and patience to wait and listen while he searches for the words that are often lost to him. Quirsten has been amazingly patient and respectful. She repeats, rewords, and jokes with my husband. Even when I can see that the unit is busy, she makes my husband feel like he is the only one in the hospital. She patiently waits until he communicates his needs; this isn't always easy, but she makes it look like it is, and she makes him feel respected, in spite of his illness.

It isn't just my husband that Quirsten takes care of; she has also made it her business to make sure that I understand what his options are, to clearly explain those options, and to help advocate for us when it was clear that if I left when visiting hours were over, he would be anxious and therefore, unable to adequately receive the best care.

Most of the nurses we have encountered while he has been here have been wonderful. Quirsten is over and above. My husband and I both trust her, which is so important to his overall care. Her caring attitude has been comforting in an otherwise stressful time.