Karen De la Cruz Ramirez, RN

A young patient was admitted to CV5 for inpatient hospice care and comfort care measures. This patient had suffered from breast cancer and related complications. After many years of treatment, the patient began to have a difficult and painful time breathing. Due to the constant pain, the patient decided to come to All Saints for comfort care. This patient was scared and anxious when she arrived at the unit. Karen took the time to describe every medication and option the patient had to keep her the most comfortable. Even after medication, the patient continued to have high anxiety. Karen recognized the patient’s needs and decided to sit at the bedside while she charted so that the patient was not alone. She continued to try different medication regimens and did not leave the bedside until the patient’s family could come to the unit. She prioritized the patient’s comfort and went above and beyond to care for her. We are thankful to have this wonderful nurse in our unit and she is very deserving of the DAISY Award.