Victoria's Story
Victoria Nuno grew up in California before moving to Arizona to take up work as an administrative assistant. She enjoys reading books and spending time with her niece and nephews.
Victoria was prepping to help her sister move when she fell ill with a fever. She decided to rest, but soon realized she was unable to get back up. Victoria’s parents called an ambulance and rushed her to Banner Ironwood Hospital where they discovered her oxygen levels were extremely low.
She tested positive for COVID-19 before being transferred to Banner Desert Hospital for care. Admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), she was intubated the next day.
Upon stabilization, Victoria’s mother was told extended recovery time was needed. She chose Select Specialty Hospital – Phoenix Downtown.
Upon her arrival, Victoria’s goals were to be independent, breathe without assistance and return home in her previous life. A physician-led team, of nurses and therapists, created a plan to restore Victoria to independence.
Respiratory therapists immediately began ventilator liberation protocols -- a series of breathing and chest exercises and gradual reduction of ventilator settings to increase lung stamina. Victoria was able to successfully liberate from the machine.
Physical therapy worked alongside, deploying a mobility program to improve her hand-eye coordination and ability to stand without assistance. Victoria progressed quickly to sitting and standing on her own and walking with an assistive device.
While Victoria was reluctant to begin physical therapy, her mom was there to help motivate her with a “can-do” attitude that kept Victoria focused, despite her unwillingness to tackle more challenging activities. Victoria’s mother did not accept her reluctance and kept pushing, while also offering words of love and support whenever she was down.
Victoria eventually progressed to climbing stairs, an activity she hated but knew would be beneficial in the long run.
After two weeks with Select Specialty Hospital, Victoria was ready to return home with her family. She is excited to get back to “normal things” like playing with her nephews. She thanked her care team for never giving up on her.
Her advice to others traveling a similar recovery path: “Take it one step at a time. It is a long journey to recovery.”