Recently I was a patient on 2N and although all of the nurses there were wonderful, Al Grotti went above and beyond to provide excellent care and made my stay better than I ever imagined a hospital admission could be. From the first time he came into my room to introduce himself and receive report from the previous shift, to the last day that he left my room and said goodbye because he would be off the next few days, his care was consistent. I don't think I ever had to use the call light or call his phone once, even though his number was consistently written on the board in my room. He was always there to round, always addressed my pain before it became unmanageable and never let me get to a pain level I couldn't tolerate. He always took the time to explain everything and to listen to any questions or concerns that I had. He never made me feel that he was too busy to help me and he always asked if there was anything else he could do before leaving my room.
Although recovering from surgery can be challenging, and at times frightening, Al was always reassuring and encouraging me. The thing I appreciated most was his consistency. Anyone who has had him for a nurse would appreciate his calm and caring demeanor, his professionalism and his consistent compassion.