January 2019
Megan
Schippers
,
RN, BSN
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Des Moines
,
IA
United States
Megan was my father's nurse multiple times during his two-plus week stay. My father previously had a massive stroke, resulting in aphasia and extreme spasticity in his right side. Megan always saw him as a whole person, not 'damaged goods.' She was nurturing, loving and took her time to make sure his needs were met. In fact, the day he found out he had cancer and was ultimately dying, she took time to calm him. When talking to him - squatting down at eye level - was not enough, she offered to take him on a walk. She stayed with him until he felt at ease. Even at shift changes, she talked to him and didn't share unreleased test results. The eighth floor has a lot of great nurses and techs, but Megan is going beyond. We are forever thankful for her.