For Karen, one of the most difficult parts of COVID-19 is that our patients cannot be with their family members and loved ones for surgery. She recognized patients are coming in for surgery scared, vulnerable, in pain, and the person or their people that they need here with them cannot be with them. This was painful for Karen and after nights of journaling and reflection she decided that PACU RNs are the patients' "rock". Karen purchased beautiful gemstone rocks. She wanted to give her patients something that was tangible and real that they could feel and hold. These amethyst rocks have healing properties if that is something that is helpful for the patient.
Karen greets her patients, acknowledges their pain, and expresses to her patients that they are not alone. She gives them a gemstone, places it in their hand, and explains how the entire Kaiser staff is their rock, the entire time they are in our care. She asks them to lean on us and let us know their needs. She asks what we can do to help ease their families' worries. Her patients have been loving it. Just today she had a patient who was very quiet. It is hard to tell what is going on with people when their faces are covered with masks. When she asked for his name and birthday, he broke down crying. She stopped and recognized how hard this must be for him and how hard it must be to not have his family here. She gave him his rock and explained its meaning. This was a pivotal moment for the patient. Having this rock helped him realize he was going to be okay and he could trust us. For Karen, giving her patients these rocks to keep has proved to be more meaningful and beneficial than she ever dreamed.
Note: This is Karen's 2nd DAISY Award!