Erica Garver is everything a nurse should be. Not only does she exhibit extraordinary clinical excellence, but she has a caring and compassionate heart. Erica always looks for the best in others and goes out of her way to make a difference with every patient.
One particular story comes to mind that was truly exceptional.

We had a patient who had splints on both arms for bilateral wrist fractures from a fall. The patient was homeless and had no family and no friends who would help take care of her. Her discharge was prevented because she didn't have anywhere to go so she remained on our floor for several weeks.

One day Erica noticed that the patient was having difficulty reading her room service menu and asked the patient if she wore glasses. The patient told Erica she needed reading glasses but couldn't afford to get any. During Erica's break she went down to the gift shop and using her own money, purchased the patient a pair of glasses so she could read her menu. The patient was so excited that she was finally able to read.

After being in the hospital several weeks already, the patient wanted to wear something other than a patient gown. On Erica's next day at work she brought the patient in an entire bag full of clothes for the patient to wear. The patient could not have been more excited.

That day she changed her outfit multiple times and was so proud to be wearing something other than her gown. She was just so happy that someone took the time to talk to her and understand her situation.

I know that Erica has made a lasting impact on not only this patient but several staff members as well. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help someone out.