angela smitka, BSN, RN, CCRN

We had a terminally ill patient who has not left her room in MICU Pod 2 and would not be leaving her room. The patient really wanted to go on a tour of the hospital to see the Christmas trees, decorations, and lights. Angela went far and beyond to make sure this patient could go down to the main floor to do just that. We were told that this trip just downstairs would be impossible. Angela made a promise early in the day to the patient and kept fighting to find a way to fulfill her wishes. After many tears and calls, also assistance from staff, Angela made this special trip happen. We had to take 6 oxygen tanks and it took a whole team to get to the Christmas tree, but nothing was better than seeing the smile on the patient's face. It brightened her day and made this Christmas extra special for the patient, her husband, and extended family. These are the types of things that make me so proud of working where I do. Angela is so caring, and I think what she did for our patient was just awesome.