June 2024
Cassandra
Destefano
,
RN
PICU
Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States
Her patience and ability to make our patient feel safe and supported ultimately contributed to our patient's comfort, which was a big challenge for this particular patient.
Cass provided exceptional, compassionate care for our mutual patient. We had been handing off a difficult patient who was experiencing delirium and mistrust in our healthcare team due to paranoia/delusions. Despite the scenario, Cass made our patient feel safe in an environment that was causing the patient extreme distress and anxiety. Her patience and ability to make our patient feel safe and supported ultimately contributed to our patient's comfort, which was a big challenge for this particular patient. This patient had a medication that caused her extreme anxiety and distress. Cass regulated a safe environment for this patient in order for the medication to be given safely and with the least amount of distress possible for this patient. The patient had ended up requesting for Cass and I to be present for the medication administration during another shift, for comfort, and Cass had stayed after work to be present for this, which truly goes to show her character and authenticity as an empathetic nurse. I am truly inspired by her care towards this patient among many others and believe she is so deserving of this reward, she is truly a treasure in our PICU.