August 2026 Honoree
Karla Albers, RN
I had the privilege of having Karla care for me twice within the last five months as I underwent a biopsy and then a surgery at St. Joseph’s mid April. Karla was my surgery nurse and she demonstrated both knowledge and compassion on both of my stays and I am so grateful for her amazing care.
Karla came to see and pick me up to transport me to the OR just as the hospital priest came to pray and anoint me. Karla asked if she could pray with us, and the amount of kindness and comfort that brought to me during a very worrisome time was immense.
Karla kept me informed both visits as she wheeled me to the OR room, she introduced me to everyone in the room and made the OR suite feel an extension of the comfort she had already brought to me. She told me the scrub nurse, Norma, was her friend. I loved that. She introduced me to the CRNAs who were going to give me sedation and I felt the trust she had in them.
And as I was getting ready to be sedated, she told me to pick a good dream. That stayed with me as well. Such a relaxing thing to tell someone.
Karla may not have been with me long hours at the bedside, but she was there both times when I needed comfort and reassurance. She cared for me physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s not always hours of bedside nursing care that have to matter. My small moments with Karla mattered the most.
Above all, in her care, Karla made me feel safe. That’s what every worried surgery patient wants to feel no matter how big or small the procedure may be.
I imagine surgery nurses do not receive much personal recognition as they care for patients we are under anesthesia most of their time with them. I want to recognize Karla for all the small, memorable moments of care that she gave to me during both of my surgeries. She is truly an asset to the profession and I will never forget her care.
Karla came to see and pick me up to transport me to the OR just as the hospital priest came to pray and anoint me. Karla asked if she could pray with us, and the amount of kindness and comfort that brought to me during a very worrisome time was immense.
Karla kept me informed both visits as she wheeled me to the OR room, she introduced me to everyone in the room and made the OR suite feel an extension of the comfort she had already brought to me. She told me the scrub nurse, Norma, was her friend. I loved that. She introduced me to the CRNAs who were going to give me sedation and I felt the trust she had in them.
And as I was getting ready to be sedated, she told me to pick a good dream. That stayed with me as well. Such a relaxing thing to tell someone.
Karla may not have been with me long hours at the bedside, but she was there both times when I needed comfort and reassurance. She cared for me physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s not always hours of bedside nursing care that have to matter. My small moments with Karla mattered the most.
Above all, in her care, Karla made me feel safe. That’s what every worried surgery patient wants to feel no matter how big or small the procedure may be.
I imagine surgery nurses do not receive much personal recognition as they care for patients we are under anesthesia most of their time with them. I want to recognize Karla for all the small, memorable moments of care that she gave to me during both of my surgeries. She is truly an asset to the profession and I will never forget her care.
Thank you, Karla, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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