We would like to nominate Dawn RN, the night nurse working in neuro-intensive care. I think the most important attribute I can share with you that tells you about her exceptional competence, compassion, and communication was that I could go home and sleep well when I knew she was caring for my husband. And I don't go easily. I trusted her skills and judgment.
I am a retired nurse with 46 years of experience which included caring for patients in Intensive Care before there were separate intensive care units for neurological patients, cardiac care, instruction for nurses applying to work in the critical care and emergency departments and other services. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly.
My husband had a huge subdural hematoma and had to go to OR twice to relieve the pressure on his brain. He went through the first surgery without problems. After the second surgery, he had a very difficult time which included a flashback to military service days and he gave the nurses a difficult time. I am most thankful Dawn and her co-workers were there.
Dawn would come in, greet and assess my husband, make him comfortable per his requests, clean up the room and take command of the situation with kindness and efficiency.
One of the things that was so important to me was infection control. Knowing how prevalent MRSA is in hospitals, and knowing my husband had a catheter in through a burr hole plus other potential sites of entry, I was very concerned that all things that were connected to him or were placed on his bed would be free of the potential of infection as much as possible. Dawn also fulfilled this expectation.
My husband also recognized her outstanding competence and appreciated her patience and positive nature. Working at night is not easy, as patients often have more problems at night. We were most thankful that Dawn was willing to work those hours and felt blessed that we had her to care for my husband and therefore for me as well.