Compassion in action: Celebrating the impact of nurses
- Kalin Quin
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
For many patients across Ascension Wisconsin, the compassionate care they receive from their nurses leaves a lasting impact on their lives. From providing encouragement and comfort during difficult moments, to answering questions with kindness, to celebrating good news and milestones, nurses play a pivotal role in the health journeys of our patients.
In honor of National Nurses Week, we're highlighting some of the kind-hearted nurses recognized by patients through Ascension Wisconsin Foundation’s Guardian Angel program. Each testimonial illustrates the myriad of ways nurses make a positive difference.
Juliette, registered nurse at Ascension Elmbrook
“I had a heart ablation on July 29th and needed to stay overnight. Juliette was my nurse and took exceptional care of me. My blood pressure was low and there were some issues with getting it back up to where it needed to be. Juliette even called the Dr. who was on call that night to make sure that she was doing what needed to be done. She had great bedside manner and made me feel very at ease. I felt that she listened to me and really tried to keep me comfortable and informed on everything that was being done. Juliette has a great personality, is an excellent nurse and I truly appreciated the care that she provided me. I would like to recognize her efforts and professionalism.
Danielle, registered nurse at Ascension Franklin
"I went through a major surgery and had my stomach removed. Danielle was one of the special nurses that took me under her wings. She was so enlightening and went over and above to help make my long two week stay in the hospital so uplifting. Without her in my life, it would not have been the same. Thank you Danielle for being you."
Patricia, registered nurse at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee
"Patricia was the absolute perfect nurse for me during my labor and delivery experience! Even though I was delivering my third child, I had never been induced before and was trying for my second VBAC. I had lots of questions and a good amount of nerves not knowing exactly what to expect. Patricia not only calmed all of my worries, she was an excellent coach and support person through everything. She took such excellent care of me and did everything she could to make sure baby and me were not only safe, but comfortable the entire time, going above and beyond to do whatever we needed. When I look back on the birth of our daughter, she will always be a bright spot in the memory!"
Luke, registered nurse at Ascension Mercy
"Luke goes above and beyond to provide top notch care. I felt well cared for and my needs were immediately attended to. He made me feel less anxious about my procedure and after care. He is very competent and made me feel safe."
Emilia Beach and Courtnee Crull, registered nurses at Ascension St. Elizabeth
“They both are amazing nurses who helped me on some very rough days while going through TMS treatments. Emilia specifically would talk to me with kindness and dignity. Mental health nurses rarely get recognition for OFTEN going above and beyond in their profession and their down to earth care. Both work extremely well together and made me feel comfortable with all my insecurities. The mental health field needs more Emilia's and Courtnee's.”
Gina Mortorano-McIlwee (left), nurse navigator at Ascension Mayfair Road
"While my entire cancer team is outstanding, we would like to honor Gina Mortorano-McIlwee. From the very beginning, Gina was attentive, available and always responsive to our many questions, concerns and fears. Gina is wonderful and made such an incredible difference in my care!"
Peppa, registered nurse at Ascension All Saints
“Peppa was the sweetest, most caring person I have met in a long time. There was nothing too much for her to do for you. She was the sweetest person, willing to help me with anything. She was so caring. I love that I was in her care, and you are so lucky to have her working at Ascension.”
Sara Clark (right), registered nurse at Ascension NE Wisconsin - Midway Place
"I thought to myself, am I going to be ok? Or am I going to die? Once we arrived at St. Elizabeth Hospital, I was quickly rushed to CT. Sara gave my daughter her personal cell phone number and said, 'Please let me know when your mom is ok. I will be praying.' That meant the world to me and my family. If Sara would not have been so caring and attentive, I may not be here today. I am thankful for Sara's quick action and for all the staff that assisted me that day and during my hospital stay. I praise God that He put me in your hands that day, as it was right where I needed to be."
Demetra, nurse navigator at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee
“Getting a positive diagnosis of breast cancer is very overwhelming - so many new words, so many test results, so many doctors, so many appointments - as well as very scary. Demetra understood all the details and explained everything clearly and honestly, answering so many questions or getting back to me quickly if she needed to get answers. She also understood all the emotions and was very kind and empathetic. As my nurse navigator, she helped me steer a clear course through my surgeries and treatments. She was my angel and watched over me throughout my journey. God bless her.”
Sarah, registered nurse at Ascension St. Joseph
"My nerves were extra high the morning of my C-section. I was unbelievably fortunate Sarah walked through my door that morning. I will never forget while I was getting my spinal she held my hands as I was crying because I was so scared and having flashbacks of being back in an OR for my 3rd degree tear repair. Sarah got me through the PTS I was having by just holding my hands and being in the room during my C-section. She made me feel safe and I felt so much comfort from this amazing person I had only just met.
After the trauma I experienced physically from my first labor and delivery I was so nervous about having our second baby. I do not think I could have gotten through it without Sarah. I often thought God must have sent me an angel to be by my side and help me be strong. Thank you Sarah you are an angel, women are so lucky to have you by their sides. You bring comfort and support when it is most needed."
About Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel, a program of Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, allows patients to recognize any Ascension Wisconsin associate that went above and beyond during their care. Learn more about Guardian Angel, here.