To the Editor:

May 6th-May 12th is Nurses Appreciation Week. I am writing this letter to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for all the wonderful, hard-working nurses who serve our local communities. These individuals have an extremely demanding, stressful and challenging career which is why so many of them have chosen this field in the first place. Everyday they go to work knowing, and sometimes not knowing, what they might be faced with when they arrive. Many of us have been treated by these professionals, whether at the Dr.’s office, the ER, or due to a hospitalization. They greet us as if we are the only patient they have to care for as they take our vital signs, run tests, work closely with the Dr.’s and overall help us feel comfortable.

I have experienced this personally at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Throughout the past 7 months I have had to undergo a weekly outpatient procedure at the imaging department. I was always greeted with such care and kindness it immediately put me at ease. As I waited for the doctor, I was given a warm blanket as they began the preparatory process. We chatted about how I was feeling, families, work and life in general. Most of the time my procedure went very smoothly and I was released on a timely manner. There were, however, a few times when things took a little longer than usual. Never did I feel rushed or made to feel uncomfortable that I was taking up too much of their valuable time. Thankfully, I am doing well and no longer have to go every week.

I want to give a very special thank-you to Char, Chantel, Erin and Chantel. These competent, caring and compassionate nurses helped me through a difficult time in my life. Without their support and expertise it would have been a very different experience. Words can’t express my sincere appreciation for all they did for me. I am sure many of their other patients feel the same way.

Lorraine Salamon
Massena