Jane Reczek
September 2017
Jane
Reczek
,
BSN, RN
Cardiovascular ICU
Virginia Hospital Center
Arlington
,
VA
United States

 

 

 

Jane is an expert clinical nurse, but what makes her extraordinary is her unique ability to see beyond the diagnosis and to truly take care of the whole patient. She recently received a patient from the cardiac operating room for recovery. This is an intense time for the nurse who has to handle multiple drips and machines. Jane, however, took a moment to consider the patient's culture and ensure that the care she provided was not just clinically sound, but was culturally sound as well. She realized that the patient, who had just woken up, did not have her traditional head covering. Jane did not have access to an actual scarf so she fashioned one out of a pillowcase. She gently covered the patient's hair and made her feel more comfortable. This simple act of cultural care was recognized by the patient as something that made her feel safe in a very scary environment. Even more importantly, the development of trust between a patient and a nurse is at the very center of patient safety, and Jane clearly demonstrated her knowledge of this.