Laura fiercely advocates for her patients with the medical teams and does so with professionalism and humble expertise.
Laura is committed to lifelong learning and the education of her peers and recently started assisting the PICU clinical nurse educator with facilitating orientation for new RN hires, Clinical assistants, as well as contract RNs. She follows these staff throughout the continuum of their orientation experience in the PICU which includes but is not limited to tracking with new hires, facilitating learning opportunities, and fostering preceptor growth. Laura recently obtained her Certified Pediatric Nurse certification and will be completing her Clinical Nurse III application in December.
Laura takes the time to get to know her patients and families regardless of how busy the day or night is and what I have noticed during these interactions, is that she allows the families to share how they are feeling and she supports them by simply listening.
Laura is kind, compassionate, positive, and practices with a high degree of integrity.
Laura recently cared for a patient and family in the PICU. This patient and family made an indelible impression on many members of the PICU team. Her situation was tragic, however, our staff and her parents did not give up hope for a full recovery. Her parents were a marvel of strength and love. Laura became one of her dedicated primary nurses. She would spend time with the parents at night during her shift and discuss how they felt things were going.
During one of those night discussions, they expressed that they would like another care conference. Laura was unable to attend, however, in speaking with the family, she knew what their wishes were for their daughter. When she returned for her next shift after the care conference, she was surprised to hear about the plan of care as she felt there were inconsistencies from her last discussion with the family. She spoke with them again to ask what their goals were for their daughter. They wanted their daughter to have the most peaceful death as possible in a way that provided them with the ability to be with her and hold her.
Laura was able to communicate with the provider team that through her conversations with the family, they indicated that they were ready to let their daughter go. Laura provided support to her parents in this difficult decision and reassured them that if this felt right to them, then we were here to support them in their wishes in deciding what was best for their daughter.
We are fortunate to have such a passionate, compassionate professional representing this organization!