samantha brunkhorst, BSN, RN

I was admitted to the Cardiology floor to await cardiac catheterization scheduled for 8 am the next morning. Samantha was in and out of the room regularly to see if I needed anything. When I turned on my call light, she came if the tech wasn't immediately available. No task was beneath her RN status. During the night, I experienced more severe chest pain and nausea. After trying several things to make me comfortable, she decided I needed an EKG that night. She sent the results to the doctor, who ordered the procedure immediately. Samantha made the arrangements, reassured me that my doctor would be alert and ready to perform the procedure as soon as he arrived and began the preparations. She and another nurse had me ready for the team including starting the oxygen. A stint was inserted to correct a 95% blockage in an artery. When I was sent back to the floor the next day, I received the same special treatment. I am convinced that I would have died that night without Samantha's nursing skills and extraordinary compassionate care.