Karlee Demarest
October 2021
Karlee
Demarest
,
RN
Cardiac ICU
Swedish Medical Center
Englewood
,
CO
United States
Karlee faithfully monitored all the many-faceted levels of my dad's changing medications, meals, and moods.
Karlee tended to my dad for three days in the ICU. My dad's Conn's Syndrome had given him dangerously high blood pressure and dangerously low potassium. Karlee skillfully, professionally, and cheerfully managed not only two medical conditions swinging wildly out of control, but also my dad's alternate moods of charming cooperation and obstinate orneriness.
My father designed and built a reputable equine hospital, and has been involved in veterinary medicine for over sixty years; he has exacting standards about how hospitals should be run and patient care delivered. And he can be a difficult patient. When my dad questioned and balked at increased doses of potassium, Karlee handled my dad's stubbornness and concerns with friendly firmness. She could answer his pointed questions, tend to his basic needs, and appreciate his wit and wisdom. My dad respected, trusted, appreciated, and admired Karlee.
Before my dad ended up in the ICU and under Karlee's care, we learned that he would not cooperate with any condescension. My dad worked with Karlee as she treated both his medical needs and his need for dignity when he was feeling weak and trapped. Treating his human dignity was as valuable to me as treating his Conn's Syndrome. He would not have responded to the medication without the other. I offer the following examples of Karlee's excellent nursing care to highlight what Karlee did so well.
Karlee knew every aspect of my dad's course of treatment. Karlee faithfully monitored all the many-faceted levels of my dad's changing medications, meals, and moods. When we could not get answers or explanations, Karlee understood what needed to happen with his care and what goals needed to be met before he could be released, something my dad relentlessly pursued.
When one doctor gave my dad the false hope of being released early, Karlee managed both his profound disappointment, but also practically advised him why he needed to stay. My dad, my brother, and I all trusted Karlee because of her remarkable knowledge, professionalism, and kindness. What better combination of attributes could you ask for in a nurse? Karlee represents the very best of nursing care. She astutely knows medicine, but she also knows how to treat patients with dignity, respect, and humor.
My father designed and built a reputable equine hospital, and has been involved in veterinary medicine for over sixty years; he has exacting standards about how hospitals should be run and patient care delivered. And he can be a difficult patient. When my dad questioned and balked at increased doses of potassium, Karlee handled my dad's stubbornness and concerns with friendly firmness. She could answer his pointed questions, tend to his basic needs, and appreciate his wit and wisdom. My dad respected, trusted, appreciated, and admired Karlee.
Before my dad ended up in the ICU and under Karlee's care, we learned that he would not cooperate with any condescension. My dad worked with Karlee as she treated both his medical needs and his need for dignity when he was feeling weak and trapped. Treating his human dignity was as valuable to me as treating his Conn's Syndrome. He would not have responded to the medication without the other. I offer the following examples of Karlee's excellent nursing care to highlight what Karlee did so well.
Karlee knew every aspect of my dad's course of treatment. Karlee faithfully monitored all the many-faceted levels of my dad's changing medications, meals, and moods. When we could not get answers or explanations, Karlee understood what needed to happen with his care and what goals needed to be met before he could be released, something my dad relentlessly pursued.
When one doctor gave my dad the false hope of being released early, Karlee managed both his profound disappointment, but also practically advised him why he needed to stay. My dad, my brother, and I all trusted Karlee because of her remarkable knowledge, professionalism, and kindness. What better combination of attributes could you ask for in a nurse? Karlee represents the very best of nursing care. She astutely knows medicine, but she also knows how to treat patients with dignity, respect, and humor.