At the end of May, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. She has had multiple hospitalizations since and recently had surgery to remove her tumor. Throughout her stay she had many good nurses and care techs, but while on 5 West she had the privilege of Katie's continuity of care.
Not only did Katie consistently tend to my mom's needs, she provided holistic care with a smile on her face. I have been told that exceeding expectations often includes taking care of things that need to be taken care of, even if we didn't create it (or even if it is someone else's responsibility). One way Katie exceeded expectations and provided extraordinary care was by providing and being mindful of a clean and peaceful healing environment.
The day my mom was to be discharged she had an exacerbation of symptoms that prevented her from being discharged. Earlier that day, my mom had used the bedside commode and the day nurse/tech did not empty or clean it. When Katie came on shift she was quick to empty and clean it and did so with no complaint and without hesitation. Katie could easily have asked a care tech to do this but when she saw something needed to be done to provide a clean environment of maximum healing, she did it with a smile and in a professional way.
Katie was also quick to tend to my mom's needs and took initiative to provide for them before being asked. Any time the IV or wound vac would alarm, Katie was right there to actually address the issue (instead of simply silencing it). Katie took the time to listen to my mom's needs/concerns and addressed them readily. Katie took the time to ensure my mom's needs were met holistically. My mom had a rough day and Katie minimized interruptions in my mom's rest by doing things (taking vitals, giving meds, etc) at the same time.
I know, as a nurse, we are often busy and it is easy to look past the "little things" that someone else could/should do; it is also easy to do what needs to be done and hurry on to the next patient. I also know it takes nurses like Katie to truly provide extraordinary healing to patients who so desperately need it. I know I am not able to be there for my mom 24/7 during her hospital stay, but I take comfort in knowing that Katie is here to provide the same care I would provide for her. As a nurse and a daughter you don't think anyone could care for your mom as well as you can but I know she is getting that care from Katie and that puts me at ease.
There's truly nothing better than knowing your loved one is receiving extraordinary care from an exceptional nurse! That nurse is Katie!