I was having an Angioplasty procedure at Chippenham Medical Center, which required an overnight stay due to the fact that I have a history of bleeding. I have had three different cath procedures at three different hospitals, but the care I received at Chippenham's Cardiac IVCU is the reason for this nomination.
Over the course of my life, I had a 30-year military career and was in combat in two different wars so my body suffered wounds, trauma, and disease resulting in numerous hospitalizations requiring medical care from nurses. Since retirement, old age has added to that tally as a result of several surgical procedures at three local hospitals. These encounters have led to a profound appreciation that nursing is not a job or a career, but a "calling" differentiated by traits unique to nursing. How a nurse cares for a patient, using verbal and non-verbal body language to communicate their concern is long remembered by patients. A sincere greeting and smile, eye contact when answering questions, providing reassurance and by anticipating patient concerns convey to the patient that the nurse is the patient's advocate and protector in what otherwise is an alien and impersonal medical setting.
The "bedside manner" practiced by my nurses was exceptional. Nurse Baker was well informed of my situation by Nurse Trompeta at shift change. A full examination followed and then periodic checks of the wound site until the doctor was satisfied and I was cleared to go home. When giving the discharge instructions, Nurse Baker meticulously explained all facets of the instructions. When my wife arrived, Nurse Baker went back over the discharge instructions with her and my wife felt very comfortable with the information that had been shared. When it was actually time for me to leave the facility, Nurse Baker repeated the instructions to my wife and me to ensure that we did not have any questions.
I'd like to express my sincere appreciation for a job "Well Done"!