Sandra Hicks does not hesitate to contact physicians when family members have questions. She stays with the doctor as he explains things so she can answer questions when he leaves. She has initiated many physician / family care conferences when a misunderstanding occurs.

Recently a patient’s son was not easy to work with and challenged many nurses on patient care issues. That morning the son challenged Sandra about the BP readings on the monitor. After she explained how she compares the monitor reading to a manual BP to ensure accuracy, trust was built that later helped his acceptance of his father’s code change. She engaged him in a discussion, assured him his hesitation was normal and arranged for the Hospice nurse and neurologist to speak to him before he made the momentous decision.

As his father was being transferred to Hospice, he couldn’t thank her enough on how much easier she had made a difficult situation. She loves patients, has become an expert in her field, always to do “what’s best for the patient.” Thank goodness for Sandra Hicks!