Alexis Desfosses
August 2025
Alexis
Desfosses
,
BSN
Station 31-Neuroscience Stroke Center
Huntington Hospital
Pasadena
,
CA
United States
Through her care, patience, and compassion, she has helped me feel more connected to myself again after everything I have been through.
As a stroke patient, communication has been very difficult for me. I often feel frustrated with my speech, so instead of trying to express this verbally, I am writing this for my nurse.
Alexis is not only a highly skilled nurse but also someone who balances clinical excellence with genuine compassion. She is informative, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond for her patients. She takes the time to sit next to me, truly connect by listening and explaining my care in a way I can understand, and empowers me by reminding me that, even though my speech is limited, I can count on her and the nursing team to be there for me. In those moments, it feels like I am her only patient.
One moment that stood out to me happened at the end of her shift, right before she was leaving for a four-day break. Even though she had already finished giving a report to the oncoming nurse, she stopped by and asked if I wanted to try walking. For me, as a stroke patient, that is not an easy task. Yet Alexis patiently and carefully supported me, showing such kindness and encouragement.
While I was walking, my wife saw my Foley bag and became overwhelmed with emotion. I could see her distress, and I felt trapped in my own body, unable to comfort her as her husband. It gave me anxiety that I couldn’t console her in that moment. Without missing a beat, Alexis saved the day.
She encouraged my wife and me to walk together back to my room. Even though her shift was already over, she stayed. She sat calmly with my wife, spoke to her with compassion, and explained my care in a way that reassured her. Alexis’s words and presence eased her fears in a way I could not.
Writing this brings me tears of both hope and gratitude for the care I received. This is just one example of the many ways Alexis goes above and beyond. She truly embodies nursing excellence. Through her care, patience, and compassion, she has helped me feel more connected to myself again after everything I have been through.
It has been a long journey, but Alexis has made a lasting impact on both my family and me. She is the ray of hope that someone in my situation desperately needs. She is a remarkable nurse.
Alexis is not only a highly skilled nurse but also someone who balances clinical excellence with genuine compassion. She is informative, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond for her patients. She takes the time to sit next to me, truly connect by listening and explaining my care in a way I can understand, and empowers me by reminding me that, even though my speech is limited, I can count on her and the nursing team to be there for me. In those moments, it feels like I am her only patient.
One moment that stood out to me happened at the end of her shift, right before she was leaving for a four-day break. Even though she had already finished giving a report to the oncoming nurse, she stopped by and asked if I wanted to try walking. For me, as a stroke patient, that is not an easy task. Yet Alexis patiently and carefully supported me, showing such kindness and encouragement.
While I was walking, my wife saw my Foley bag and became overwhelmed with emotion. I could see her distress, and I felt trapped in my own body, unable to comfort her as her husband. It gave me anxiety that I couldn’t console her in that moment. Without missing a beat, Alexis saved the day.
She encouraged my wife and me to walk together back to my room. Even though her shift was already over, she stayed. She sat calmly with my wife, spoke to her with compassion, and explained my care in a way that reassured her. Alexis’s words and presence eased her fears in a way I could not.
Writing this brings me tears of both hope and gratitude for the care I received. This is just one example of the many ways Alexis goes above and beyond. She truly embodies nursing excellence. Through her care, patience, and compassion, she has helped me feel more connected to myself again after everything I have been through.
It has been a long journey, but Alexis has made a lasting impact on both my family and me. She is the ray of hope that someone in my situation desperately needs. She is a remarkable nurse.