Andressa Goncalves
August 2025
Andressa
Goncalves
,
RN
Emergency Department
Bridgeport Hospital Yale New Haven Health
Bridgeport
,
CT
United States
She specifically remembers how Andressa would keep her assured she was safe, and they were doing everything.
The behaviors and actions of this individual are those I would want anyone working for me or caring for patients to emulate. My 81-year-old mother was exhibiting stroke symptoms and was brought by ambulance to the emergency department. Andressa was there from the start to meet us and was by our side the entire process. Quite honestly, I have never seen a more compassionate and caring nurse who absolutely put the patient and her family first and was a tremendous advocate. Right from the start, she was advising and guiding us through the diagnostic and intake process, which was especially comforting since my mom was not able to communicate well. Shortly after the initial neurology consult, my mother completely lost the ability to speak, which is a terrifying experience for the patient and family. Andressa continued to comfort and calm both of us in a manner that was wonderful. She kept informing us of what was being done and the next steps. Any time I had to leave the room, Andressa would come and update me, bring me back to comfort my mom, and I personally watched her advocate for my mom to the whole care team. My mom now recounts being able to understand everything everyone was saying, but she could not get her words out. She specifically remembers how Andressa would keep her assured she was safe, and they were doing everything. In fact, Andressa stepped in herself multiple times to help the care team, who also had other patients to care for. Once my mother was moved upstairs to the ICU, Andressa stayed with her and followed her care. She would come to the room and check in, monitor her miraculous recovery, and also keep me informed. When we couldn't get answers, Andressa was there. She is truly a gem and an asset to the hospital and health system and should be recognized as such. Throughout our entire experience, she put the patient first, was accountable and compassionate, and was the definition of patient and family-centered care. Bridgeport is blessed to have such a wonderful employee.