Patti has been a nurse since 1995 and has been a part of the Saint Francis team since 1996. Her intelligence, experience, willingness to teach and share her knowledge immediately garnered my respect and identification that she would be an excellent mentor. Now, 4 years later, my initial impression of her talents and compassion has only been strengthened. Daily, I have seen Patti give the utmost care to her surgical patients and provide them with the support and comfort they need when they are in a very vulnerable and unfamiliar situation.
Recently, my role as a surgical nurse was reversed and I became the patient. Patti was my circulating nurse on two of my three surgeries. I had the pleasure to experience her skills from another perspective. She made me laugh, brought me warm blankets, and made me feel comforted and confident that I was in good hands. The uniqueness of this situation is not that I can remember how she made me feel before surgery and after I woke up, but now I know (because I've seen it!) the excellent way she took care of me when I was asleep and unable to advocate for myself.
Hands down, Patti Chartier is indeed an extraordinary nurse. For multiple reasons, my gratitude to her flies so very high. Not just because of the care she gave to me, but also for the hundreds of patients that she has cared for over the years. If given the opportunity to remember, I know her patients would jump at the chance to give her their thanks.