Carolina Cantu
March 2021
Carolina
Cantu
,
BSN, RN
BICU
University Medical Center
Carolina also helped provide his favorite snacks. She would call the team to see what K wanted and then go on a grocery store run.
Carolina is a caring and compassionate nurse to all her patients and an asset to her unit as a charge nurse and UBC chair. However, Carolina was observed going above and beyond for one patient, in particular, K. K was here at UMC for several months with extensive burn injuries and Carolina acted as not only a caregiver but as a friend to him while he endured a physical and emotional journey. Carolina worked with many other departments and advocated for him consistently while also taking the time to provide him small joys like a trip outside or lunch outside his hospital room.
Carolina would gather up a group of people and together, as a group of friends, they would go outside when the weather was nice and eat their picnics. Carolina also helped provide his favorite snacks. She would call the team to see what K wanted and then go on a grocery store run. She not only ensured he has plenty of snacks, fresh air, and sunshine, but she also made sure he moved. An impromptu conga line was a regular Friday afternoon activity in the Burn Unit. I am not sure who enjoyed shimmying around the unit the most - K or the staff. We may never know, but everyone wins when you pour your heart into your work as Carolina does.
One of the most special moments was when she took his request for a Thanksgiving meal and her and (SICU) spent the day cooking his favorite barbeque for him. She really took the time to make the holiday special as he was here without family for several months.
As K's discharge came closer, Carolina was already thinking ahead. She knew that he had come to UMC with absolutely nothing and was about to be discharged across the country. She took it upon herself to provide K with clothes, sneakers, and other provisions that were essential for his discharge. She took care of K as a human, with human emotions that needed a friend, going above and beyond. She did not advertise these acts of kindness and was not looking for any recognition but nurses like Carolina are the reason UMC has a great reputation. She advocated and cares for those without a voice and is a shining example of a role model.
Carolina would gather up a group of people and together, as a group of friends, they would go outside when the weather was nice and eat their picnics. Carolina also helped provide his favorite snacks. She would call the team to see what K wanted and then go on a grocery store run. She not only ensured he has plenty of snacks, fresh air, and sunshine, but she also made sure he moved. An impromptu conga line was a regular Friday afternoon activity in the Burn Unit. I am not sure who enjoyed shimmying around the unit the most - K or the staff. We may never know, but everyone wins when you pour your heart into your work as Carolina does.
One of the most special moments was when she took his request for a Thanksgiving meal and her and (SICU) spent the day cooking his favorite barbeque for him. She really took the time to make the holiday special as he was here without family for several months.
As K's discharge came closer, Carolina was already thinking ahead. She knew that he had come to UMC with absolutely nothing and was about to be discharged across the country. She took it upon herself to provide K with clothes, sneakers, and other provisions that were essential for his discharge. She took care of K as a human, with human emotions that needed a friend, going above and beyond. She did not advertise these acts of kindness and was not looking for any recognition but nurses like Carolina are the reason UMC has a great reputation. She advocated and cares for those without a voice and is a shining example of a role model.