Caryn Firkus, RN, ADN

Caryn was my night RN while I was recently admitted with sepsis from an infection. It would be easy, and completely honest, to describe Caryn's care using all the cliché words: caring, compassionate, attentive, tender, educating... but she was so much more and deserves more than "cliché". She has an intuition of concern that goes above and beyond many RNs I have had care for me, yet she delivers it with gentleness. I was very weak being septic, fevered, nauseated, and vomiting, not having enough strength to make it to the bathroom, and needing a lot of help repeatedly. Not once did she ever rush me, she always asked what else I needed, changed my linens and gown over and over when they were wet from sweating. She wiped my face and feet, and tears. Held my hand when I shook nonstop with chills.

Caryn was not only my nurse, she was my friend, and my angel. We talked about healthcare briefly one night when I felt better. I told her I work in radiology. Caryn shared the number of years she had been an RN. I asked how long here, and she responded and added, "and I accepted on permanently here. I like that Aspirus cares about patients, and this hospital's employees care about each other." I liked that she cared for me and her coworkers and presented such a positive attitude. Thank you, Caryn; I will never forget you and how much your amazing care meant to me. God bless and protect you as you care for others.