(l-r) Leilani Sauer, Nancy Spencer, Erika Grant, Yvette Rifley, Terry Strle, Christina Sparks, Brenda Franz, Michelle Sebern, Gena Edmiston, and Macey Behr
July 2013
Christina
Sparks
,
RN
ICU
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Fairbanks
,
AK
United States

 

 

 

Earlier this month, we had a patient who had a terminal illness and was admitted to the ICU when she decompensated acutely. Christina was the admitting nurse and provided care as the primary nurse for the first two days that she was in the ICU. The patient's husband was having an especially hard time, and Christina was very respectful of his wishes to continue aggressive treatment.

Due to the patient's deteriorating condition, Christina provided a great balance between managing the patient's needs and also spending time with the family to support their needs. She spent a considerable amount of time with the patient's young teenage children, explaining the medical procedures and answering all their questions. Christina took extra time repeatedly to talk with the patient's 13-year-old daughter, which I think will stick with this young lady for the rest of her life.

Christina is an extremely sensitive caregiver, a true patient advocate and an insightful caregiver.