July 2020
Karen
Swenson
,
BSN, RN
MICU
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center
Charlotte
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

Karen is an exceptional nurse with a heart of gold. She is committed to her patients and families, and always goes the extra mile. Karen exemplified compassionate care when arranging a 23rd birthday celebration for an intubated patient during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the assistance of her teammates, Karen organized and orchestrated a "Friends" themed birthday celebration. They made signs, cards, t-shirts, and even joined together to virtually sing "Happy Birthday"! Despite the visitor-restriction policy, Karen was able to coordinate the patient's parents into the celebration. The parents were so appreciative of the whole team, but especially to Karen who was so thoughtful to arrange this for their daughter.