Carol Reinhardt exemplifies a compassionate, caring individual who anticipates the needs of her patients as well as the staff she works with. She is always a pleasure to work with and is recognized by many patients and family members on our unit as one who takes time to speak with them about their concerns/issues and to be a voice for them in helping them receive the care they need and deserve.
Carol is the CNS on our unit. She works hard every day to help the staff on our unit give the best care possible to our patients. If a staff member, patient, or family member ever has a question, Carol will help answer their questions. If she does not know the answer, she will work tirelessly to find the answer for you. She is tenacious, compassionate, hardworking, and never gives up until she finds the answer to your questions or concern. If she feels a patient's needs are not being met, she is not afraid to ask a physician about the patient's plan of care and why things are being done the way they are. She is not afraid of change, rocking the boat, or being a proactive voice for our patients. I admire her for that. I have often seen her taking time out of her busy day sitting and talking with patients and families.
The patients and families appreciate it very much and often ask “where's Carol” on days they haven't seen her. She makes the environment one in which it is okay to ask questions and voice your concerns and be a proactive member involved in your own care. If a patient is not doing well and requiring more intensive care, you will often find Carol at the bedside with the staff not only helping and giving guidance to the bedside nurse, but also comfort to the patient and the family. She wants to help the bedside RN grow in their knowledge and skills and she supports the staff and patients in the process.
Carol was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. I am not telling you this so you will be swayed to give her the award or so you will pity her. I know she does not want your pity. I am telling you this because we often take for granted those that most deserve our gratitude. You do not realize how much of an impact that person made until they are not there on a daily basis. We, the staff on 9ER, miss her deeply. I pray that those that are currently at her bedside caring for her are able to see what a caring, compassionate, hardworking individual she is.
I know there have been many times I have been blessed by taking care of patients and family members who are going through difficult times. I go into their room hoping I can make a difference in their day but find they are the ones who help restore my faith and hope in humankind. Carol is not only a nurse who would bless your life with her presence, but as a patient she would bless your life as well with her sense of humor, compassion, and ability to keep on keeping on even when times are tough. I know she has blessed my life and many of the staff, patients, and family's lives on 9 East Rhodes.