February 2026 Honoree
Abigail Wilkinson, RN
My wife had back surgery (Lumbar Laminectomy) at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. The surgery went as planned, with the exception of a little greater blood loss. While in recovery, her heart rate was extremely fast (160bpm) and her blood pressure was very low. She also could not pee. Because of these three things, it was decided that she would have to spend the night in the hospital.
She was placed in a room, and Abby was assigned to her care. Abby was very reassuring and caring. The next day (Friday), her heart rate was still way too fast, and her blood pressure was low. She also still could not completely empty her bladder. Abby was there explaining everything in terms we could understand and tended to her needs. Because of her not being able to empty her bladder, she had to stay another night.
Now it's Saturday, and stuff is coming around. Everything but her bladder. A decision was made that a Foley catheter would be inserted and she could go home with the catheter. As she was in the process of being discharged, Abby and a CNA were aiding her in getting dressed. They placed her feet thru her pants and stood my wife up to pull up her pants. As they stood her up, she collapsed into Abby's and the CNA's arms. She was immediately placed back into bed.
Abby handled it very well and called for assistance. Suddenly there were several nurses around and trying to figure out what just happened. Abby called the hospitalist. Abby stayed by her side the entire day. It was like having a private nurse. She tended to my wife's needs and mine. By the way, the visitor chairs in the hospital rooms are horrible. Abby went and got me a much more comfortable chair.
The cardiologist was called in, and tests were given, and it was determined that she had VST and A-Flutter. We were told that she had to spend yet another night in the hospital. We live two hours away from the hospital, and they felt that if something were to go wrong on our way home, it would be horrible. Mind you, this was supposed to be an outpatient surgery. We were not prepared to spend a night nor less than three nights.
We are now up to Sunday morning, and it was felt she could be released/discharge. Abby was there again discharging her.
During the entire stay, Abby went far beyond what is expected of a nurse. She is extremely caring and knowledgeable. She kept us informed and calm. Bellin should be very proud to have her on their staff. She takes control and leads. We are so fortunate to have her on our side.
She was placed in a room, and Abby was assigned to her care. Abby was very reassuring and caring. The next day (Friday), her heart rate was still way too fast, and her blood pressure was low. She also still could not completely empty her bladder. Abby was there explaining everything in terms we could understand and tended to her needs. Because of her not being able to empty her bladder, she had to stay another night.
Now it's Saturday, and stuff is coming around. Everything but her bladder. A decision was made that a Foley catheter would be inserted and she could go home with the catheter. As she was in the process of being discharged, Abby and a CNA were aiding her in getting dressed. They placed her feet thru her pants and stood my wife up to pull up her pants. As they stood her up, she collapsed into Abby's and the CNA's arms. She was immediately placed back into bed.
Abby handled it very well and called for assistance. Suddenly there were several nurses around and trying to figure out what just happened. Abby called the hospitalist. Abby stayed by her side the entire day. It was like having a private nurse. She tended to my wife's needs and mine. By the way, the visitor chairs in the hospital rooms are horrible. Abby went and got me a much more comfortable chair.
The cardiologist was called in, and tests were given, and it was determined that she had VST and A-Flutter. We were told that she had to spend yet another night in the hospital. We live two hours away from the hospital, and they felt that if something were to go wrong on our way home, it would be horrible. Mind you, this was supposed to be an outpatient surgery. We were not prepared to spend a night nor less than three nights.
We are now up to Sunday morning, and it was felt she could be released/discharge. Abby was there again discharging her.
During the entire stay, Abby went far beyond what is expected of a nurse. She is extremely caring and knowledgeable. She kept us informed and calm. Bellin should be very proud to have her on their staff. She takes control and leads. We are so fortunate to have her on our side.
Thank you, Abigail, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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