Heather Opande, BSN, RN

My Nephew was admitted to the ICU after a cardiac arrest. Every staff member who cared for him from the ER to transfer did an amazing job. Heather stands out; she cared for him the first 2 nights he was admitted. He was very critical. The first night, a cousin stayed with him who is also his best friend. Heather handled the difficult care and was extremely patient and informative to the family. She eased the very obvious anxiety in the family. Our families can be a lot to handle, and she did fantastic. On the 2nd night I was visiting, she was great with handling new medications being ordered that are not commonly given here, trying to help decrease brain swelling. Being a nurse here with lots of experience in many areas, I, in a way, know too much, but not a lot at the same time. We do not do a lot of neuro stuff here, so my knowledge was limited. Heather helped explain the medications to me, trying to keep me as at ease as possible and being 100% transparent and honest with me at the same time. Taking care of someone who is the same age as your own kids, a family member of not only your coworkers, but of your close friends, is not an easy task. As a nurse, I know that. Heather was beyond amazing, kept it professional, and kept her personal emotions in check while providing the utmost extraordinary care. Her Critical Care experience and compassion are top-notch.