I would like to recognize Cara Seckinger, RN, for a DAISY Award from the perspective of a clinician, who has witnessed Cara's caring for a terminally ill cancer patient. During the course of the patient's illness, I witnessed Cara's bonding with the patient. She took the time to really listen to the patient as she shared what she had done in her lifetime and of the marvelous travels that she and her husband had taken. Cara held the patient's hand as she chatted with her and the light in the patient's eyes demonstrated what is truly meant to have someone "stopping time" just to listen to her.
Cara's keen listening skills translated into being able to advocate for her patient during a particularly difficult time learning of and dealing with terminal cancer, not just for the patient but for the patient's loved ones. Often, the patient would vent to Cara that she did not want to eat or get out of bed, but felt the need to try for her family. As the plan of care was evolving including more emphasis on nurse-driven physical therapy and getting out of bed to the chair more frequently, Cara spoke up about her concerns for the patient with the management team. She began to explain that the plan dictated for far more nursing time than the 12Tower team was able to support with current staff ratios. With the patient in mind, the concerns were escalated to the patient care director, who in turn was able to have the patient transferred to Progressive Care where the patient ratio would better support the patient and family during this very difficult time.
Having bonded with the patient, it would not be the last time Cara would visit the patient. She went to Dialysis with one of her managers to speak with the patient and her husband about the plan of care and transition to the new unit. Cara was highly supportive to the patient and her spouse and likewise sad to have the patient moved to another unit. Cara again visited the patient when she was recently readmitted back to the hospital from Hospice. She sweetly and lovingly held her patient's hand again. Prior to this visit, Cara expressed that she genuinely wanted to be able to visit with the patient, giving her full attention without the complications of getting involved with the medical plan of care. Cara knew the importance of letting the patient know that she was there to see her as a person and not just as a patient.
This is the type of compassion and care that Cara shows her patients every shift that she works. She strives to find something that makes each patient special and seems to excel at understanding and caring for even our most difficult patients. She repeatedly receives praise from her patients and families about her compassion, understanding, and follow through. Patients feel confident in the care they are receiving from Cara and are able to put their trust in her, knowing that she has their best interest at the heart of her care. She demonstrates empathy and compassion beyond her years. For those reasons, we believe that Cara should be recognized with the DAISY Award. She was able to recognize the limits of her ability to deliver the right care for this patient and worked with her team to obtain the best situation for her patient. It is a pleasure to work with such a caring individual.