The nurse was Kristina, who works in the ER. I was with my 88-year-old sister when Kristina attended to her following an ugly fall down icy steps on the coldest Ohio winter day.
Upon admission to the ER, sister was hypothermic, covered in blood from a gash that required five stitches on her temple in her scalp, as well as multiple lacerations, bumps, and bruises on her flank at the sacrum level. All was so sore and hurtful that my sister could not move or walk without assistance. Kristina was so very kind and respectful of my sister’s condition, explaining each procedure flawlessly and helping to relieve her sister’s anxiety. Physically, Kristina helped her move, walk, and reposition at every turn.
The ER was exceedingly busy, and the doctor first saw the sister in the hall as there were no ER beds. The doctor ordered a head and lower abdominal CT to rule out a skull fracture or broken sacrum. Kristina was prompt in explaining what was ordered, why, and how the procedures would be carried out. All this while Kristina was using her cool head to administer to my sister with a gentle, thoughtful touch as she cleaned the blood away. Kristina was the epitome of the nightingale pledge.
Her performance was not one single outstanding event. Instead, it was a series of exceptional attentiveness strung together to make the sister’s experience the best possible. Kristina implemented compassionate nursing skills, gentle touch, clear explanation, empathy in the situation, reassurance, and physical mobility assistance. She also facilitated communication between staff and patients. She served the sister in the best possible nursing manner. I was impressed.

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I fell down my outdoor steps on the coldest day of the year. Kristina was so kind and prompt and attentive to me. She was reassuring every step of the way. Responsible and informative, making all sound manageable. She was wonderful! She literally nursed me into a much better frame of mind and well-being. Thank you Kristina.