Karen displays genuine kindness, compassion, and superior customer service, not for one particular situation but for many (too many to mention) that she has displayed over the years in her nursing career here at Bridgton Hospital.  This person is a true patient advocate as she works tirelessly tending and healing patients’ wounds. She always goes above and beyond connecting her patients with all of the disciplines to further improve their medical, psychological and physical needs while also focusing on and including family members as an integral part of care.

One RN recently wrote of one such example with a Bridgton Hospital Inpatient. This patient had a very complicated ostomy along with a midline incision wound vac. This is the most complicated ostomy I have come across in my entire career and has therefore left a lasting impression in my mind. Karen Harding is ultimately the reason this patient was finally able to leave the hospital many months after being admitted. The endless ostomy changes along with midline wound VAC changes were astounding. Karen never gave up on her and was constantly trying to figure out ways to help her heal and have the best life she could outside of the hospital. She went to great lengths to find a product that was custom-molded for the patient. She filled out all the necessary insurance paperwork and dealt directly with the company in California. Once the patient received this ostomy it was the first time she was able to go more than 24 hours without having to change her Ostomy appliance. This was a game-changer for the patient. She was finally able to look toward the future and put her extended hospital stay behind her.

For this reason and many more Karen has been a staple in the hospital; always willing to teach and help when needed. She embodies every part of the DAISY Award. This experienced nurse supports all members of the healthcare team. While in her role as employee health nurse, she often reaches out to check on everyone to see if they are doing okay, especially throughout the COVID pandemic.  

Karen played a key role in stepping up and managing the COVID Vaccination Clinics for the staff and community. She took care of members of the healthcare team in her nurturing way and made certain that each employee involved was treated each Saturday during the busy clinics to a special luncheon.

Her kind-heartedness was evident as she administered vaccines to the elderly who often came in dressed in three layers for their injection. Karen would very patiently assist them in removing all three layers of clothing and then assist them in re-dressing them with all three layers again. This happened time and time again. Her tenderness and compassion really showed through and patients appreciated her thoughtfulness.   Karen Harding is a true role model and an exceptional nurse for our Community, our Patients, and our Team Members, and we are honored to have her on our nursing team here at Bridgton Hospital. Thank you, Karen!