Karen Digman
May 2021
Karen
Digman
,
RN
Emergency Department
Carroll Hospital Center
Westminster
,
MD
United States
Karen described in lay person terms the effects and side effects of the meds on muscle movement. Again the daughter calmed down and was comforted having this information.
I have worked with Karen several times in the last several years, usually regarding end-of-life issues surrounding patients undergoing Code Blue emergencies. I have always been impressed with her compassionate care for patients and families, even more so today.
I responded today to an emergency Code Blue situation. An elderly lady had been brought in from a local 'nursing home,' apparently in cardiac arrest. Karen was the attending nurse along with other team members. Performing her role with professionalism and skill, she also had time to speak with the patient's two gathered family members. The patient's adult daughter was especially upset and disclosed to Karen that she had recent cancer surgery to remove a large tumor. She also said she had a heart condition. Karen quickly got her a drink and a chair and talked with her about her mother until she was calmer.
When it appeared the patient was still alive due to the meds given causing declining and but occasional head movements, the daughter began to panic, and immediately Karen described in lay person terms the effects and side effects of the meds on muscle movement. Again the daughter calmed down and was comforted having this information and knowing her mother had been in good hands with the team. I've seen Karen do as much for other patient family members too, and it's obviously ingrained in her in the way she provides excellent patient care while doing so with kindness and compassion. We are lucky to have a nurse like Karen Digman.
I responded today to an emergency Code Blue situation. An elderly lady had been brought in from a local 'nursing home,' apparently in cardiac arrest. Karen was the attending nurse along with other team members. Performing her role with professionalism and skill, she also had time to speak with the patient's two gathered family members. The patient's adult daughter was especially upset and disclosed to Karen that she had recent cancer surgery to remove a large tumor. She also said she had a heart condition. Karen quickly got her a drink and a chair and talked with her about her mother until she was calmer.
When it appeared the patient was still alive due to the meds given causing declining and but occasional head movements, the daughter began to panic, and immediately Karen described in lay person terms the effects and side effects of the meds on muscle movement. Again the daughter calmed down and was comforted having this information and knowing her mother had been in good hands with the team. I've seen Karen do as much for other patient family members too, and it's obviously ingrained in her in the way she provides excellent patient care while doing so with kindness and compassion. We are lucky to have a nurse like Karen Digman.