My 93-year-old mom was admitted after surgery to 1 North, and this was only her second hospital admission in my adult life. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous during her hospital stay. Lela was her nurse that Saturday. She followed the characteristics of PETALS in the following ways:

P- she provided compassion with each interaction, not just with my mom but with me as her caregiver. She has a passion for the profession of nursing in the genuine approach she provides. She picked up on the subtle hints that my mom was in pain and provided pain medication in a timely manner.

E - she expressed empathy in the time she cared for my mom by sharing stories and tips for a successful recovery.

T - she included me in the communication for care; she also communicated well with the other members of the staff. For example, getting needed supplies with MSTs and also in her communicating with the surgical PA when I had questions about her discharge needs.

A - she is the perfect example of a Planetree caregiver as evidenced by her attitude and ambition for positive patient outcomes. She is a model example of putting the PEARLS of Planetree into action. She established a positive relationship with my mom and me from the first moment she introduced herself. She was knowledgeable and confident in the care she provided and was responsive to questions and my mom's needs.

L- she had the leadership qualities to be the voice for my mom. When an incident occurred with another staff member, she did not hesitate to apologize to me, a true leadership quality.

S- you cannot be in this profession and be successful without selflessness. The compassion and care she provided were amazing and her care stood out.