Kristina Sellari
September 2020
Kristina
Sellari
,
RN, MSN
ED
Morristown Medical Center
Kristina stayed by my side, walked me into MRI, tucked me in with warm blankets when I was shivering, and even when it was well past the end of her shift, she stayed and said, "We take care of our own, I am not leaving you until I know you're okay".
I have been a registered nurse here for over 6 years. Recently, I was admitted to Morristown Medical Center for the very first time as a patient with a very serious autoimmune neuromuscular condition that causes a breakdown in the communication between the nerves and muscles, rendering me unable to speak, swallow, see, or walk. With a condition that caused me to lose complete voluntary control of my muscles, I was terrified I would lose complete function and never be able to return to the job that I love and have dedicated my life and career to. I am so beyond grateful to the ER staff, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, Unit Rep, and Patient Care Techs who took care of me during this really scary time. I do not know where I would be today without all of you!
However, one nurse, in particular, I would like to personally thank and nominate, Kristina Sellari, who advocated for me when I couldn't speak, who helped me walk when I thought I would nearly collapse to the floor, who hand-fed me my medication because my arms were too weak to hold the medicine cup or glass of water, and who stayed by my side the entire time through all the testing and care even though she had a full patient assignment, she treated me like I was the only patient she had. The minute I started to show signs of rapid decline - I started to shake uncontrollably and my eyes drooped down and I was unable to see or speak, I became tachycardic and diaphoretic and my lips were cyanotic, she had the entire ER team in there within seconds. The team worked like a well-oiled machine, from getting my IV fluids and medication to help control the shaking, and straight off to stat MRI. In my mind I was just hoping I would make it through the night, I was afraid but I was never alone because Kristina stayed by my side the entire time, reassuring me and keeping me calm, I knew with her by my side I would be okay. Her demeanor made me feel calm even though I did not know how my body would react one minute to the next. She stayed by my side, walked me into MRI, tucked me in with warm blankets when I was shivering, and even when it was well past the end of her shift, she stayed and said, "We take care of our own, I am not leaving you until I know you're okay". Those words alone made my nerves settle. Even during MRI when it was well past her shift, she transported me herself to Kahn 4 where I was admitted. She didn't leave until I was settled in and reassured that she would be back to check in on me the following day. Kristina, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, dedication, and professionalism. You are the true definition of what a DAISY Nurse is and I am so grateful to you and all of the ER staff who stood by my side during this scary time.
I am honored to work with such an amazing team member and believe that Kristina is a prime example of exemplary nursing care. She sets the standard high and from my experience working with her, I know I am not the only patient she has worked so tirelessly to care for. She always puts her patients first no matter how grueling or tough her day is. She is compassionate and empathetic and always willing to jump in when anyone needs help. There are not enough words to express my thanks and gratitude, but I am so grateful to this extraordinary superhero and wanted her to know her care in my time of need did not go unnoticed. Myasthenia gravis may have made me weak, but thanks to the swift and amazing nursing care provided by Kristina and the ER team, I am stronger than ever and back home ready to run laps around the ER again and work alongside my amazing ER team. Thank you for being my rock, my voice, my advocate, my friend, and my hero! We need more nurses in this world like you! Thank you for giving me my life back this has been an experience I will truly never forget! MMC ER YOU ARE THE BEST!
However, one nurse, in particular, I would like to personally thank and nominate, Kristina Sellari, who advocated for me when I couldn't speak, who helped me walk when I thought I would nearly collapse to the floor, who hand-fed me my medication because my arms were too weak to hold the medicine cup or glass of water, and who stayed by my side the entire time through all the testing and care even though she had a full patient assignment, she treated me like I was the only patient she had. The minute I started to show signs of rapid decline - I started to shake uncontrollably and my eyes drooped down and I was unable to see or speak, I became tachycardic and diaphoretic and my lips were cyanotic, she had the entire ER team in there within seconds. The team worked like a well-oiled machine, from getting my IV fluids and medication to help control the shaking, and straight off to stat MRI. In my mind I was just hoping I would make it through the night, I was afraid but I was never alone because Kristina stayed by my side the entire time, reassuring me and keeping me calm, I knew with her by my side I would be okay. Her demeanor made me feel calm even though I did not know how my body would react one minute to the next. She stayed by my side, walked me into MRI, tucked me in with warm blankets when I was shivering, and even when it was well past the end of her shift, she stayed and said, "We take care of our own, I am not leaving you until I know you're okay". Those words alone made my nerves settle. Even during MRI when it was well past her shift, she transported me herself to Kahn 4 where I was admitted. She didn't leave until I was settled in and reassured that she would be back to check in on me the following day. Kristina, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, dedication, and professionalism. You are the true definition of what a DAISY Nurse is and I am so grateful to you and all of the ER staff who stood by my side during this scary time.
I am honored to work with such an amazing team member and believe that Kristina is a prime example of exemplary nursing care. She sets the standard high and from my experience working with her, I know I am not the only patient she has worked so tirelessly to care for. She always puts her patients first no matter how grueling or tough her day is. She is compassionate and empathetic and always willing to jump in when anyone needs help. There are not enough words to express my thanks and gratitude, but I am so grateful to this extraordinary superhero and wanted her to know her care in my time of need did not go unnoticed. Myasthenia gravis may have made me weak, but thanks to the swift and amazing nursing care provided by Kristina and the ER team, I am stronger than ever and back home ready to run laps around the ER again and work alongside my amazing ER team. Thank you for being my rock, my voice, my advocate, my friend, and my hero! We need more nurses in this world like you! Thank you for giving me my life back this has been an experience I will truly never forget! MMC ER YOU ARE THE BEST!