BostonWorks Salutes Anderson and Ostrer
The Boston Globe’s BostonWorks annual “Salute to Nurses” is a call to readers to tell of how “a special nurse helped you in a time of need.” Reviewing hundreds of responses, an expert panel chose five nurses including the BWH team of Janice Anderson, ASN, RN, and Debbie Ostrer, BSN, RN, from 16 CD as honorees. Nominated by former patient Henry Bernardi, Anderson and Ostrer were honored among other recipients May 11 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. Read Mr. Bernardi’s letter below:
A Powerful Pair: Janice Anderson, ASN, RN, and Deb Ostrer, BSN, RN
I was a patient at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for three weeks. I had stomach cancer surgery and was admitted on Jan. 3 and discharged on Jan. 23. Halfway through my stay, I had eight tubes in various parts of my body. It was extremely uncomfortable and difficult to sleep. I was getting very depressed with all of the setbacks and felt I would never recover.
Along came two nurses who pulled me through. They both showed strong compassion for my situation and had the knowledge and skill to get me through the very rough times. I have never met two more compassionate, knowledgeable people with very strong technical knowledge of nursing. Janice was my night nurse and Deb was my day nurse. They both kept encouraging me all along the way. I don’t think that I would have made it without their determination and encouragement. I sincerely salute Janice Anderson and Deb Ostrer.
- Patient Henry Bernardi