Charlene is truly a shining star that sits above the rest when it comes to her patient care, kindness, professional demeanor, and personable disposition.

Charlene noticed my husband wasn’t his normal self as she entered the room. He told her he felt fine, he was just a little cold, but she didn’t accept that. She stated, “Your appearance looks off to me, your skin looks different.” She continued with his medications and assessment and immediately discovered his body temperature was 94.5! She shared that she would alert the doctors right away. We knew a high temperature was bad, but didn’t realize a low temperature could be just as dangerous.

Not only did Charlene alert the doctors, but she also stated, “I need to keep his door open so I can see and hear what’s happening in his room.” Charlene then moved her cart close to his door so that she could continue to check on him while doing administrative work. I saw her juggle my husband’s care while continuing to care for her other assigned patients. I saw her make several calls regarding my husband’s condition, and I heard her say his need for ICU should be expedited.

Charlene was instrumental in recognizing a bad situation and preventing it from becoming disastrous. I believe her actions were just as instrumental as the doctors' in saving his life.

My husband’s heart condition has required him to be admitted on several occasions. During his stays, we’ve experienced good nurses, do my job nurses, that’s not my job nurses, and I’ll tell your doctor nurses. So, we know when we’re in the presence of an exceptional nurse!

We had the pleasure of having Charlene as his nurse once again following that discharge. Charlene once again went far above the tasks of just bringing medications and checking vitals. She showed genuine concern and care for both my husband and me by engaging in uplifting conversation that ministered to us medically and mentally.