May 2024
Allyson
Hanson
,
RN
Med Surg
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Shakopee
,
MN
United States
I felt her really care for me. It was like she knew what I needed even before I did.
My father who was a very healthy independent 96-year-old gentleman was recently admitted for weakness that got worse after recovering from COVID. He had a full work-up in the ED and unfortunately got devastating news. He was found to have tumors in his liver and lungs. He elected no further testing and was admitted to Med-Surg to try and get him strong enough to return to his home while also getting set up with Palliative Care and Hospice. To say this was a shock is an understatement. He was still driving and very much living a vital life. Emotionally it was a difficult time as well as just not physically feeling very good. He had so many thoughts it was difficult for him to rest and allow himself to get strength. We were all shook and felt helpless and sad. The morning after he was hospitalized, he said the sweetest ray of sunshine walked into his room to take care of him. He was so fortunate to have her 2 days in a row. He said his care was exceptional across the board but something about Allyson Hanson really connected with him at this time. Every time he tries to tell what to write on this form, he gets so choked up he can't speak. If I could share that feeling with you I would. He still gets choked up talking about her. So, we decided that he would write it down since he cried each time he tried to talk. "Allyson gave me the feeling that every time she came into the room, she looked for ways to make me feel better. It was like that was her purpose...to make me feel better. I was scared and sad and I know she felt that by her actions. Little things made such an impact in my short stay. I am tall and in bed a lot and she came in and extended my bed. Simple but so impactful. Then she found a recliner and got me up and it made my whole focus change plus I was so much more comfortable. She was quiet but so confident. I felt her really care for me. It was like she knew what I needed even before I did. I felt so very calm and cared for. It was so hard hearing the news and knowing my life was so changed but Allie made it all a little bit easier. I know it must be tough to be around sad news and sick people, but boy did she make a difference to me!" I would like to add this as his daughter who is also a nurse. Knowing how my dad felt so strongly about how great a nurse Allie was and wanting to nominate her for recognition I felt so lucky. Lucky she was there at such a difficult time for my dad and his family, and she made it easier for him. We were so appreciative for all his care at St. Francis but seeing the impact Allie made warms my heart without enough words to express!