Rhonda's care encompasses the meaning of The DAISY Award. As the 2020 pandemic was unfolding, my surgical and gastroenterology departments ceased performing cases. This initially caused a lot of stress and unsettlement for many nurses. I was soon re-assigned to ICU to orient in case there was a surge of COVID-19 patients.
I oriented with Rhonda for several shifts. She is not only adept and comfortable caring for the critically ill, but she has a highly compassionate approach to her patients.
This was evidenced by her communication with them. She spoke to patients whether they could communicate or not. For example, there was a chronic COPD patient that we cared for. Throughout her stay of 12 days, she was intubated yet alert. At one point she was extubated, then re-intubated. Rhonda speaks directly to her patients fostering comfort and trust. One day Rhonda sang "You got a friend in me" sparking a smile from her patient.
As her orientee, I never felt like she was "put out" or bothered by my presence. Her positive approach made learning the department easier and enjoyable. She goes the extra mile as she picked up extra shifts when the ICU had a need and was short on staffing. I never heard her complain. She smiles "sings" and presses on.
I have been a nurse for 26+ years, and it was refreshing to have been able to spend this time in ICU with Rhonda and the great staff at Sutter Delta ICU.