I cannot speak highly enough of the care and compassion I received while being treated for a bypass procedure. Everyone I came in contact with was reassuring, compassionate, helpful, patient and caring. From understanding my pain and physical limitations to something as simple as scratching my eyebrow for me when I was unable to move my arms. They also did what they could to preserve my dignity in “less than modest” moments. Again, understanding my perspective and taking time to reassure and explain processes and procedures in advance, not to mention the great sense of humor everyone exhibited. 

From the doctors to the people who brought in meals, everyone was so kind and considerate, and I cannot say it enough. In particular, Dmaris, Taylor, Cindy, Josh, “T”, Mo80, Christina, Natalie, Shea, Sully, and Remi. 

There are names I cannot remember; a young woman from Ecuador who was so personable and stayed with me most of the day before my surgery in case I needed anything. The two young ladies from occupational therapy, who helped me to brush my teeth, shave, and dress. The gentleman who demonstrated how to use the Voldyne breathing apparatus and helped me walk for the 1st time after surgery. The pastor who came to visit me in my room who was so comforting. All of the home health team: Julissa, Laren, Laura, Jojo, and Malou but I feel like I need to give special mention to Home PT Irene and Home Nurse Ramsey. Their compassion, patience, guidance, and understanding helped me navigate my recovery and to put my mind at ease. While I cannot say I am happy to have gone through a quadruple bypass, I can say that I feel so very fortunate to have had not just the level of care I have received but to have met the special individuals I have worked with during my treatment and recovery. 

Thank you, and bless you all from the bottom of my newly reconstructed heart.

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As the manager of CCT4 I wanted to share a patient story and why we are The BayCare Effect! 

Hi everyone, I was just sending a note along to thank you all and mention the care we received during a very traumatic time this past January. My healthy husband was brought to BayCare for emergency open heart surgery. We were placed on CCT4 floor and I have to say that it exceeded all expectations I had. I have to preface this email by saying I haven’t been back into a hospital since 2014 when my dad passed away in emergency surgery in Massachusetts so I knew this would be a very difficult situation for me to be back in a hospital. From day one, the nursing staff on that floor made us feel so safe and more importantly, like family. They got to know us, made us feel comfortable, answered all of my questions with a smile made sure that we understood everything to the best of our ability. The nurses, assistants, doctors and all the workers on CCT4 will always have a special place in our hearts and truly believe my husband is still with me today because of their hard work and dedication. 

This kind of care is what sets this team apart from others. This is only one stated instance of multiple times they go above and beyond for their patients. Understanding that heart surgery is a major operation and not only impacts someone physically but emotionally as well. This team continuously advocates for their patients and allows patients who are ready to be discharged to share their stories with those who may have just been scheduled for surgery. Building that support system for our patients so they know they are not alone in what they are going through. In instances where patients felt cooped up in their rooms, we have taken them to the healing garden to give them fresh air or simply pushed a bed around the hall to get them out of the room for a few minutes. When a long-term patient is getting ready for discharge but has no clothes this team makes sure the patient is clothed and ready to discharge in style. It is so many of the little things that we do that make all the difference in patient care. When the unit is heavy and times are tough, you will always see someone reaching out to help a co-worker. Nobody is truly alone when you are working on CCT4! I have the great honor and privilege as the manager here to be surrounded by such a caring, loving, and compassionate team that embodies everything it takes to be BayCare and to be a family working together for a common goal!! This and many other reasons is why CCT4 deserves to be honored with a DAISY Team Award.

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I wanted to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible care and compassion you have shown to my mom. She is my lifeline – the person I cherish the most in this world. Your dedication, patience, and kindness have brought her comfort and have also provided me with immense peace of mind. I’m returning home to Georgia for a little while, but I know that she is in such capable and loving hands. It's clear that what you all are doing is more than a job – it’s a calling – and the impact is truly immeasurable. Thank you for everything you do, both seen and unseen, to care for my mom and so many others.