Cindy Knesh puts her heart and soul into her nursing care on a daily basis. She gives 100% to her patients and families consistently. Recently her work with a chronic NICU patient exemplifies her commitment.
Patient D has been in the NICU for over 6 months and has survived many setbacks. Cindy became one of his continuity nurses and quickly became fully invested in this patient and his family. I first noticed Cindy's compassion during yet another setback for the patient. Patient D was in an arrest situation and required emergency surgery at the bedside for abdominal compartment syndrome. His mother collapsed outside of the room due to the stress of the situation. She was not ready to give up on her son. Patient D pulled through but once again was on increased support and in critical condition. Patient D's mother would later tell me that she has experienced stress in her life but that day was the most stress she had ever experienced. Cindy was so kind to the mother and gave the mother hope. Cindy became a staunch advocate for this mother and her son. Cindy gave the mom the feeling that someone was with her in this fight for son's life. Words cannot describe how much this is valued and needed by this mother.
Patient D continues to require extensive care and Cindy provides this care with a smile. She looks past all the technology and cares for the developing infant. Providing a tub bath takes extra effort and Cindy simply considers it an important part of his care and a nice thing to do for the patient. An uncertain diagnosis looms over this situation and Cindy has had multiple discussions with the team about trying to get some results for this patient and family. She has truly made a difference in the life of this patient and family.