Recently, we received a patient in his mid-30's with a syndrome that led to physical abnormalities with cognitive and behavioral delays and left him non-verbal. He requires specialized care to treat not only his burn injuries but also his co-morbidities related to his syndrome. Heather spent hours researching how to best care for his needs by reading about the syndrome and talking with different family members. She took this information and created a comprehensive and personalized plan of care.
To say that someone went above and beyond to provide care truly describes her actions. The patient's small stature, requirements to secure ICU equipment and wound dressings made finding appropriate clothing and securement devices to meet his needs challenging. Heather went shopping and purchased multiple properly fitting clothing items to meet his needs while preserving his dignity. This reduced the use of restraints and provided comfort that we weren't able to achieve previously.
As a result of these actions, the patient appears to be calm with less outward expressions of pain, discomfort, stress, and anxiety. This is merely one example of the compassion and support that she selflessly and continuously provides to patients. Heather truly exemplifies the nursing spirit of caring and stands out as a role model within the institution.