Cassandra
Weik
May 2019
Cassandra
Weik
,
Graduate Nurse (ADN)
Highland Community College
Freeport
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

I have had the pleasure of having Cassie as a student in the 3rd and 4th semesters of her nursing program here at HCC. Experiencing students in the classroom and clinical settings are two completely different experiences. Some students excel academically, some excel clinically, and some manage to do both.  During our first clinical of the semester, my feedback to Cassie was this, "I am very impressed with you at this clinical". This may seem simple, but I don't take those words lightly and if you ask my students, they will tell you that my expectations are always high.  Let me tell you why I was so impressed with Cassie at this clinical. Cassie was caring for a patient with a blood clot who would be discharged this shift. Upon her diligent chart review, Cassie realized that the patient's blood thinner, a necessary part of the treatment plan, had not been ordered for continuation at discharge. Cassie brought this to my attention, the attention of the nurse, and ultimately ensured that the patient was receiving the necessary treatment for a full recovery after discharge.  Using critical thinking, exemplary practice, and patient advocacy Cassie ensured this patient received exceptional care for the most optimal outcome. . . this is what nursing is all about.  This is only one example of Cassie's extraordinary nursing practice. She received many compliments on her skills with medication administration, communication with patients, and compassion towards those in her care.  With experience in a local clinic, Cassie would often run into her patients in the hospital setting. She clearly had developed strong relationships with those patients who would request her to help with their care.  In addition to all of this, Cassie would seek out feedback for improvement throughout the semester applying any information offered to better herself as a nurse even more.
Cassie received a second nomination from a student peer that reads: Cassie is an absolute team player and is always asking how she can help, answering call lights and providing emotional support. Cassie stays positive and radiates positivity during her care with patients and on campus.