May 2026 Honoree
Abby Plotke, RN
I am recognizing Abby for her technical skill and her observant, patient-centered care during my stay in the ICU, following ameloblastoma surgery.
During my two weeks in the ICU, my body was under significant physical stress. I was dependent on IV fluids and receiving my nutrition through a nasogastric tube. Over the course of my stay, my peripheral veins became increasingly difficult to access. This situation came to a head when the ICU team needed to draw crucial blood samples. The existing access sites were no longer functioning, and multiple staff members made several unsuccessful attempts to find a new vein.
Abby came into my room and calmly asked for my permission to try accessing a vein herself. At this point, I was experiencing significant discomfort and pain from the repeated attempts. To cope with the anxiety and physical pain, I began to hum. Abby immediately recognized this as my coping mechanism. Without skipping a beat, she began singing softly to me to help calm me down and distract me from the pain.
While singing, Abby successfully accessed the vein and obtained the necessary blood samples on her first attempt. I was highly impressed by her clinical accuracy under pressure, and as a side note, she is an excellent singer. Abby's ability to combine precise technical skill with an intuitive, creative approach to patient comfort perfectly exemplifies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse.
During my two weeks in the ICU, my body was under significant physical stress. I was dependent on IV fluids and receiving my nutrition through a nasogastric tube. Over the course of my stay, my peripheral veins became increasingly difficult to access. This situation came to a head when the ICU team needed to draw crucial blood samples. The existing access sites were no longer functioning, and multiple staff members made several unsuccessful attempts to find a new vein.
Abby came into my room and calmly asked for my permission to try accessing a vein herself. At this point, I was experiencing significant discomfort and pain from the repeated attempts. To cope with the anxiety and physical pain, I began to hum. Abby immediately recognized this as my coping mechanism. Without skipping a beat, she began singing softly to me to help calm me down and distract me from the pain.
While singing, Abby successfully accessed the vein and obtained the necessary blood samples on her first attempt. I was highly impressed by her clinical accuracy under pressure, and as a side note, she is an excellent singer. Abby's ability to combine precise technical skill with an intuitive, creative approach to patient comfort perfectly exemplifies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse.
Thank you, Abby, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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