February 2024
Samantha
Gappa
,
MSN, RN
Garner Clinic
Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics
Clarion
,
IA
United States
The entire time, Sam's focus was our son and making sure he was safe, comfortable, and could understand what was next.
My 9 year is old was having chest pain and was struggling to breath. As a mom, I have handled children with broken bones, needing stitches, and an assortment of injuries, but this was the first time I truly had no idea what to do and was terrified. One quick call, Sam offered to take a look at our child herself. She was so calm in my panic. Even though the clinic was technically closed by the time we pulled in, Sam did vitals, assessed, and then helped a provider with a full workup. Throughout the entire visit, she was calm and helped our son stay calm, explaining everything as she went. She stayed late, having small kiddos at home herself. She completed an EKG again explaining perfectly to a 9 year old why so he would stay calm and she drew blood with great skill on a boy that moved right as the needle went in. Even with this moved she was able to find the vein without having to re-poke. Sam then organized with the hospital x-rays and blood transport to be run same night. She continued to check on him after we left the clinic and then followed up with us after. Sam went above and beyond, she coordinated care and never once had us feeling like a burden for all the after hour care. The entire time, Sam's focus was our son and making sure he was safe, comfortable, and could understand what was next. This is an unbelievable talent for someone caring for a scared child. Thank you, Sam, for all you do and for having the most caring heart. We appreciate you and will never forget how you helped us.