Dana Gerardi, BSN, RN

My 95-year-old mother was just being transferred from the ER to MTU, and it was not completely clear what caused the situation requiring her hospitalization. She was mostly sleeping, but when awake, she was incoherent, crying out when anyone would touch her, and uncharacteristically combative while being transferred to her hospital bed and hooked up to equipment. She was also coughing.

Dana was extremely compassionate during a difficult time, very deliberate and patient while taking my mom’s medical history, and concerned enough after suctioning her mouth to coordinate a conversation with the attending physician and an ENT. This resulted in an unexpected personal visit from the ENT a few hours later and a treatment for a nosebleed that was likely causing the choking. Dana’s attention and concern were evident, and we appreciate the actions she took to identify the problem and coordinate the additional care.