July 2010
Judy
Ruane
,
RN
6B, Pediatric & Thoracic Surgery
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States
Judy Ruane
6B, Pediatric & Thoracic Surgery
This RN exemplifies the kind of nurse that the patients and families, as well as the entire health care team recognize as an outstanding role model. The following scenario is an example of her kindness, caring compassion and/or vigilant patient care. As the DAISY Foundation refers to, this is the “super-human work done by nurses every day.”
Dear Mrs. Judy:
I am not sure if this letter will ever find you, but I hope that it does. Please accept my apology for not getting in contact with you a lot sooner, but it took a little adjusting when we brought Noah home and then it took awhile for me to locate you after “the move” to the new hospital. I hope that you like the new hospital and are adjusting well.
In case you forgot us, we are the Lapes. Noah was our wonderful miracle baby. He was hospitalized from March 12, 2009 to April 27, 2009. I can only imagine how many poor families you have been in contact with since Noah was released, but I wanted you to know that we think of you fondly, and we are so grateful for all that you did for Noah.
My reason for this letter is to say how appreciative I am for everything that you did not only for Noah, but for Jeff and I. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and every time we think of you, we will always think of how well you treated us. It is a shame how so many nurses go without any recognition at all, but I wanted you to know that even almost a year later I think of you often and smile. You treated Noah as if he was yours and you “mothered” him when I could not. Every time I called for a report you always knew everything, and you put my mind back at ease to know that he was in your care. You even showed me how to be a mom. It was scary having a “high risk pregnancy,” but you taught me what I know (and I believe it is the best way). I came home and did everything that all of you taught me and so far so good.
Since his release date, he has only been to the local hospital once for a rash he had on his face, other than that only his regular three month visit. He never cries when he gets shots; it’s almost funny, they prick him, he makes a sad face, they slap a silver band-aid on, and he looks at me like mom this is girly give me some electrical tape to put on it (he is so much like his dad). He still gets up three or four times a night, he is standing by himself, but I think is too lazy to try and walk. He has five teeth that cause him lots of pain. He gets into everything DVDs, wires, the toilet bowl, but he is a joy none the less, and I can’t ever imagine life with him. It’s funny, when he hears the Penguin game he stops in his tracks and that makes me think of Kim. He was worth the 80 miles round trip daily to see him. I look back on it now, and he doesn’t even look like the same little boy.
So, here we are planning for his first birthday and me an emotional mess because my baby is growing up so fast. In that regard, I am sending you a birthday invitation. I understand that it is a long shot that you will drive that far and you could get time off, but I wanted you to know that you are a big part of our family even though we don’t see you daily. I would love to see you, but I haven’t told Jeff that I invited you as I wanted it to be a surprise. If you can make it, please bring your son or your husband or both.
Judy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you have done for my family. You will always be thought of, and I will always remember. Keep up the wonderful job that you are doing, and I hope you understand how wonderful of a person you truly are. Thanks again. Take care.
Love and Prayers,
Heather Lape
6B, Pediatric & Thoracic Surgery
This RN exemplifies the kind of nurse that the patients and families, as well as the entire health care team recognize as an outstanding role model. The following scenario is an example of her kindness, caring compassion and/or vigilant patient care. As the DAISY Foundation refers to, this is the “super-human work done by nurses every day.”
Dear Mrs. Judy:
I am not sure if this letter will ever find you, but I hope that it does. Please accept my apology for not getting in contact with you a lot sooner, but it took a little adjusting when we brought Noah home and then it took awhile for me to locate you after “the move” to the new hospital. I hope that you like the new hospital and are adjusting well.
In case you forgot us, we are the Lapes. Noah was our wonderful miracle baby. He was hospitalized from March 12, 2009 to April 27, 2009. I can only imagine how many poor families you have been in contact with since Noah was released, but I wanted you to know that we think of you fondly, and we are so grateful for all that you did for Noah.
My reason for this letter is to say how appreciative I am for everything that you did not only for Noah, but for Jeff and I. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and every time we think of you, we will always think of how well you treated us. It is a shame how so many nurses go without any recognition at all, but I wanted you to know that even almost a year later I think of you often and smile. You treated Noah as if he was yours and you “mothered” him when I could not. Every time I called for a report you always knew everything, and you put my mind back at ease to know that he was in your care. You even showed me how to be a mom. It was scary having a “high risk pregnancy,” but you taught me what I know (and I believe it is the best way). I came home and did everything that all of you taught me and so far so good.
Since his release date, he has only been to the local hospital once for a rash he had on his face, other than that only his regular three month visit. He never cries when he gets shots; it’s almost funny, they prick him, he makes a sad face, they slap a silver band-aid on, and he looks at me like mom this is girly give me some electrical tape to put on it (he is so much like his dad). He still gets up three or four times a night, he is standing by himself, but I think is too lazy to try and walk. He has five teeth that cause him lots of pain. He gets into everything DVDs, wires, the toilet bowl, but he is a joy none the less, and I can’t ever imagine life with him. It’s funny, when he hears the Penguin game he stops in his tracks and that makes me think of Kim. He was worth the 80 miles round trip daily to see him. I look back on it now, and he doesn’t even look like the same little boy.
So, here we are planning for his first birthday and me an emotional mess because my baby is growing up so fast. In that regard, I am sending you a birthday invitation. I understand that it is a long shot that you will drive that far and you could get time off, but I wanted you to know that you are a big part of our family even though we don’t see you daily. I would love to see you, but I haven’t told Jeff that I invited you as I wanted it to be a surprise. If you can make it, please bring your son or your husband or both.
Judy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you have done for my family. You will always be thought of, and I will always remember. Keep up the wonderful job that you are doing, and I hope you understand how wonderful of a person you truly are. Thanks again. Take care.
Love and Prayers,
Heather Lape