It is sometimes difficult to come up with unique patient related stories when nominating nurses at our facility, but only because we are such a fast-paced facility. Often times the amount of time spent with patients is 20-30 minutes at most. Our nurses are none the less deserving of recognition, and I cannot think of a nurse more deserving than Karina. I can honestly say that I have never met a person as "good to the core" as Karina. She is always friendly, smiling, and positive. It's difficult to convey the emphasis deserved behind just how truly positive and friendly Karina is with just a pen and paper. If I had to describe Karina using just one word, it would be considerate. She shows careful thought to everybody that I see her encounter, whether it be a co-worker, a physician, or a patient. She is giving of her time and of her resources. Patients appreciate her calm pleasant disposition. She receives frequent personal compliments from patients on patient satisfaction surveys.
Some of the things that Karina has done that stand out to me: 1) She once requested that one of her family members bring some clothing to a patient who had soiled their clothing and didn't have anything to spare - they didn't end up having to do that, but this is just one example of how Karina thinks and the extent to which she will go out of her way to help others. 2) She frequently shows compassion to co-workers by lifting them up during difficult times, whether it be through words of encouragement or a gift. I have experienced this first-hand when my daughter was recently hospitalized on her birthday and Karina brought me a gift to give to her to lift her spirits. Karina doesn't know my daughter, but this is yet another example of her unwavering thoughtful consideration for others, whether she knows them or not.
I have never once heard Karina complain and instead of finding the negative in others she chooses to see the positive and focuses on that. She is not only a good nurse, but she is a great person with outstanding character and a person that I strive to be more like. I could go on and on, but anybody who has the opportunity to meet and get to know Karina will notice in an instant that serving others is what she values. She is happy, and her happiness is a product of her consideration of others and her service to others. The BSA mission is founded on exactly that, and I can testify that nobody is more deserving of this recognition than Karina Carbajal.