A long, long time ago, there was a young nurse, Karen Basirico, who thought that Hilton Head Hospital would be a wonderful place to work. Now, over 35 years later, Karen has awakened every morning before the birds even sing and drives in the darkness to a job that she loves in the Same Day Surgery unit. Karen moves swiftly, quietly, and effortlessly to ready the many early surgery patients for the day. Because she has gone through their charts the evening before with a fine-toothed comb, she has the time to soothe the fears and anxiety, making way for greater healing afterward.
In the Same Day Surgery unit, there are also many patients who are frequent visitors for infusions and other procedures. Karen makes sure that each visit is not "routine", by utilizing her excellent medical evaluation skills, to know when an intervention is needed. Because of her commitment, compassion, and decision-making capabilities, Karen has risen to a leadership role in the department. Yet, she works side-by-side with her team members, remembering why she became a nurse in the first place. She is a shining example to all of us as she "manages up" her co-workers at every opportunity. Karen goes above and beyond, not only in her clinical lead role but as an "Ambassador of Kindness" to every patient that comes through the doors of the Same Day Surgery unit. She goes the extra mile, which goes a long way in patient care and in recovery.
Karen practices the "Florence Nightingale" pledge daily, devoting herself to those committed to her care. She is the nurse I would want to take care of me.