Tessor Tyrell, Patient Dining Associate at Mount Sinai West
Tessor Tyrell, Patient Dining Associate at Mount Sinai West, is considered to be a shining example of how the Department of Food and Nutrition Services can make a significant impact on the patient experience.
John Gkanios, Patient Service Manager, explains: “Tessor is totally focused on the needs and preferences of her patients. Before she leaves a patient’s room, she asks if they are happy with their meal and follows up before coming back to the kitchen to set up for the next meal period. If there is a non-food issue that the patient brings to her attention, Tessor always informs the appropriate nurse to ensure the concern is addressed.”
Tessor recently received the following praise from a patient in a letter addressed to Kenneth Davis, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health System: “Ms. Tyrell demonstrates a passion for her job and people. Always with a smile and a wonderful positive attitude, Ms. Tyrell makes a patient feel comfortable in an atmosphere of uncertainty and stress. It certainly takes a team to address the physical issues and the mental conditions as well. Health care professionals will work to keep the body healthy. It is the other team members, from housekeeping to food and nutrition, that are essential to keeping the mind as positive and healthy as the body. Ms. Tyrell has exceeded in all of these categories, and I would appreciate your acknowledging Ms. Tyrell as a professional, caring, and outstanding employee and member of your team.”
Tessor is clearly dedicated to her patients.
“I love my job,” she says. “I like taking care of people and giving patients the care and attention they need. If they want to tell me their stories, once all my rounds are completed, I am happy to listen. Patients have even given me their numbers so I can follow up with them after they are discharged.”
Not only does Tessor serve her patients with care, she also is appreciated for her skills in the kitchen.
“Lucky for us,” John says, “Tessor is also a great cook! She volunteered and prepared a dish for the Juneteenth Celebration, which was enjoyed by the entire hospital.”