Kerstyn Ciulla, RN

My husband was in the hospital for 13 days, underwent 3 operations, one lasting almost 18 hours. He was very sick with many comorbidities. After the last big surgery, he was admitted to ICU 9W. The care that he received there was above and beyond any words I can say. The staff truly works as a team there, and I wish I could nominate them all, but there were two staff members who were his nurses for 3 days and made it possible for me to know that everything was done for him that could have been done.

One of those nurses was Kerstyn Ciulla on the night shift. Her compassion, knowledge, patience, and empathy were more than I could have asked for. She truly tried to keep him as comfortable and clean as best she could. She took the time to explain what was going on to my family in ways they could understand and allowed them to ask all the questions they needed. In the short time she became a part of our family, I knew he was getting the best care he could.

He was sedated, on a ventilator, many IV medications, received numerous blood products, was having complications with the surgery, needed to start dialysis, was bleeding and could not be turned, swelling, blisters, irregular heartbeats, abnormal lab work and whatever he threw at her she tackled with skill and ease.

She also took care of me and my family's needs. I don't believe she had a chance to eat or break those days, but never complained or made me feel guilty. She is what every new grad should aim to be like. I was truly blessed that she was there for us those days.

I know in my heart that everything that could have been done for him was, without a shadow of a doubt, and that helps me sleep at night. I hope no one reading this ever has to be admitted to the ICU, but if you do, I pray she is one of your nurses.

May God bless her, and I thank her for all she did!