My 60-year-old brother with Downs Syndrome was admitted to St. Catherine’s. He was taken by ambulance from his parents' home with shortness of breath and a diagnosed respiratory virus.

Upon visit to the ER, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a respiratory virus. Gianna took the time over the four days she was assigned to my brother to listen and communicate at my brother’s level of understanding, and she took the time to treat symptoms and overall wellbeing.

She communicated with my parents, my sister, and me at each step of his treatment. She was attentive, available, pleasant, and encouraging, empathetic, patient, and reassuring, not only to my brother but to his caretakers as well. Gianna is a skilled nurse who uses her experience, training, and diligence to care for not only the patient but also the person. This was evident when questions were asked on my brothers behalf from both my sister and I throughout his five plus day stay.

Updates in medications, oxygen levels, and progress toward discharge and transition back to his home were constant. Blood pressure changes, treatment plans were explained, which allowed our family to have confidence in our decision-making for his care. Gianna has wonderful people and professional skills. She uses eye contact and her body language to reinforce her intellectual knowledge. Gianna is a gem, a role model, and a consummate professional. God Bless.