Markita Gorman

Recently, I was a patient here at NCH for 5 days.  During that time, I was acutely ill, but left in much better shape than when I came in.  There was a multitude of people to thank for my recovery in the ER, 6 North, and 4 South of course.  However, not to leave out the unsung heroes: transport, dietary, housekeeping and all the other people behind the scenes.  However, there was one person who made an extraordinary impression on me: Markita Gorman.

I only had Markita as a nurse for one night on 4 South.  However, the care she gave to me went beyond expectations.  The level of pain my illness gave me required intensive pain management.  Markita was right there assessing my needs and addressing my pain without me having to call for pain medicine, or wait for when my next dose was due. When the clinical technician was too busy to take my vital signs, Markita was right there doing it for her.

The most impressive aspect of Markita’s care was her demeanor: she exuded compassion and empathy at all times.  Hot tea was about the only soothing intake I had.  When I was up in the chair in my room and she saw my empty tea cup, knowing how good it felt to me, she went ahead and brought in another cup.  Due to my illness, I was having a hard time controlling my body temperature.  In my sleep, I must have been shivering and woke to find Markita gently laying a warmed blanket on me…..you have no idea how good and comforting that blanket felt.  These were small tasks, but there were great deeds in helping to provide compassionate care with the “healing touch”.  That night was the best night sleep I had in the hospital, and I feel contributed greatly to my recovery.

As a nurse, I have high expectations of nursing care.  Markita exceeded my expectations.  I cannot think of a better person to receive the DAISY Award.