Barbara Falkowski
September 2024
Barbara
Falkowski
,
RN
Emergency Department
Bridgeport Hospital Yale New Haven Health
Bridgeport
,
CT
United States
Barb dedicated so much of her time attending to this family. She went above and beyond to order them their favorite foods, find the young children clean clothes without soot on them, and even assist the young girls in brushing their hair. You would have thought Barb was their long-lost relative from Poland.
Our nurse, Barbara Falkowski, had an inhalation burn transfer from New Britain in her assignment. Not only did she care for this one patient who happened to be the father, but in the room next door was the wife, two children, and niece. This family was devastated after living through the nightmare of escaping their house fire. This family lost everything. By chance, the patient spoke Polish. Coincidently, he happened to be from one town over from where Barb grew up in Poland. As the day progressed, his family was transferred from New Britain. Barb made them feel comfortable speaking Polish as each of them arrived. The eyes of the children, ages 4, 6, and 15, lit up when they heard Barb speak Polish. They were met with a warm and friendly greeting.
Barb dedicated so much of her time attending to this family. She went above and beyond to order them their favorite foods, find the young children clean clothes without soot on them, and even assist the young girls in brushing their hair. You would have thought Barb was their long-lost relative from Poland. The bond they all created that day was impeccable. With certainty, this family felt a part of our ED team. They felt comfortable, calm, and welcomed.
The father explained to Barb how they could not find their youngest daughter during the fire. He went on to say how he ran into the burning house to search for her. He hugged Barb as he teared up to tell her the house was pitch black, filled with smoke, and he was feeling the walls in an attempt to find his daughter. The daughter ended up being safe outside the house, but it was clear the father was completely traumatized. Not only is the father heroic and brave enough to enter the burning house, but Barb is nothing short of amazing in providing such compassion and empathy and shedding light after one of the darkest moments of their lives. This family had lost everything, but they felt secure and valued when receiving heartwarming bedside care from Barb.
Barb sprang into action as soon as the family arrived to the department, she was able to immediately recognize all of their needs. Barb put this family first. She rearranged her entire workflow to not only care for one patient but to be attentive to an entire family of five. Barb kept this family safe and in a quiet environment while delivering the highest quality of coordinated care. The entire department felt the comfort and kindness Barb provided to this family. Watching Barb naturally and efficiently care for all of those patients at the same time is truly unforgettable. Barb has been an employee at Bridgeport Hospital for over a decade and always maintains integrity while making a difference in people's lives. We are so fortunate to have Barb as a part of our ED team.
Barb dedicated so much of her time attending to this family. She went above and beyond to order them their favorite foods, find the young children clean clothes without soot on them, and even assist the young girls in brushing their hair. You would have thought Barb was their long-lost relative from Poland. The bond they all created that day was impeccable. With certainty, this family felt a part of our ED team. They felt comfortable, calm, and welcomed.
The father explained to Barb how they could not find their youngest daughter during the fire. He went on to say how he ran into the burning house to search for her. He hugged Barb as he teared up to tell her the house was pitch black, filled with smoke, and he was feeling the walls in an attempt to find his daughter. The daughter ended up being safe outside the house, but it was clear the father was completely traumatized. Not only is the father heroic and brave enough to enter the burning house, but Barb is nothing short of amazing in providing such compassion and empathy and shedding light after one of the darkest moments of their lives. This family had lost everything, but they felt secure and valued when receiving heartwarming bedside care from Barb.
Barb sprang into action as soon as the family arrived to the department, she was able to immediately recognize all of their needs. Barb put this family first. She rearranged her entire workflow to not only care for one patient but to be attentive to an entire family of five. Barb kept this family safe and in a quiet environment while delivering the highest quality of coordinated care. The entire department felt the comfort and kindness Barb provided to this family. Watching Barb naturally and efficiently care for all of those patients at the same time is truly unforgettable. Barb has been an employee at Bridgeport Hospital for over a decade and always maintains integrity while making a difference in people's lives. We are so fortunate to have Barb as a part of our ED team.