February 2022
Karen
Pearce
,
RN
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center
AMITA St. Joseph Hospital - Elgin
Elgin
,
IL
United States
Karen was always there to calm me and educate me.
I was admitted after a traumatic brain injury after a fall. I spent four weeks in the hospital. My speech, movement, and cognitive abilities have been severely affected. From the admit- Karen has been so attentive and caring not only to me but also to my parents; informing us of all the medications I was getting and their implications. She kept them informed of my condition and what it meant and what was to come. A TBI is a frightening and confusing condition and yet Karen was always there to calm me and educate me. When I was displaying symptoms over and above a concussion, Karen went home and researched other possibilities and shared with the doctors who were very impressed with her findings. She was instrumental in identifying another course of action. My ammonia levels increased to above normal levels and confusion and speech became severe. Karen found a bed for my mom so that she could stay and see me through that horrible time. Because my blood pressure was extremely low, Karen was constantly checking on it. For a new nurse, four months out of school, Karen showed expertise and knowledge of an experienced nurse. If she could not answer a question, she would find the answer. The compassion and advocacy she showed me were so out of the ordinary and more than I ever expected. Karen is a true DAISY Nurse.