July 2017
Carol
Woosley
,
RN
Main 11 West - Neurology
VCU Health System
Richmond
,
VA
United States
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for the time you spent teaching staff and family of a young patient on PPCU.
A young 13-year boy, came to PPCU s/p laminectomy with L5 decompression and spinal fusion with a Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO Brace). His brace was applied with no teaching from either physician or nursing staff. To make matters even more complicating there were no orders from a physician regarding the care of the patient in TLSO and/or guidelines for staff to follow. The unfamiliarity by the nursing staff created a very uncomfortable situation even worse.
The patient was in tears due to pain and spasms from the uncomfortable position he was sitting in. His helpless parents stood next to him desperate to help their boy but did not know how. However, all this was about to change for the better, in the parent's words with the help of "an Angel", aka Carol Woosley.
Carol came to PPCU to help educate staff. But she did more than just educate staff, she spoke to the parents of a young boy and educated them about the TLSO as well as answered any questions they had related to TLSO. Carol also advocated that the patient get something for muscle spasms, which was very helpful in alleviating his discomfort. When Carol spoke to the parents and staff and held the little boy's hand it seemed like that was the most important thing in the world at that moment to the family. Her touch at that moment will create a lasting impression on this family and this boy's life. Her passion, empathy and commitment to be a giver and an educator were very evident in her interactions with this young boy and staff. It is also very clear that Carol has dedicated herself to the care of others through nursing and education.
Carol embodies our institution's common purpose in our caring service begins with me. She strives to achieve our vision in becoming America's safest and most caring health system. She is the quintessential yardstick to which all nurses should be measured. Carol thank you for all you do for us!
A young 13-year boy, came to PPCU s/p laminectomy with L5 decompression and spinal fusion with a Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO Brace). His brace was applied with no teaching from either physician or nursing staff. To make matters even more complicating there were no orders from a physician regarding the care of the patient in TLSO and/or guidelines for staff to follow. The unfamiliarity by the nursing staff created a very uncomfortable situation even worse.
The patient was in tears due to pain and spasms from the uncomfortable position he was sitting in. His helpless parents stood next to him desperate to help their boy but did not know how. However, all this was about to change for the better, in the parent's words with the help of "an Angel", aka Carol Woosley.
Carol came to PPCU to help educate staff. But she did more than just educate staff, she spoke to the parents of a young boy and educated them about the TLSO as well as answered any questions they had related to TLSO. Carol also advocated that the patient get something for muscle spasms, which was very helpful in alleviating his discomfort. When Carol spoke to the parents and staff and held the little boy's hand it seemed like that was the most important thing in the world at that moment to the family. Her touch at that moment will create a lasting impression on this family and this boy's life. Her passion, empathy and commitment to be a giver and an educator were very evident in her interactions with this young boy and staff. It is also very clear that Carol has dedicated herself to the care of others through nursing and education.
Carol embodies our institution's common purpose in our caring service begins with me. She strives to achieve our vision in becoming America's safest and most caring health system. She is the quintessential yardstick to which all nurses should be measured. Carol thank you for all you do for us!