Sarah R Ferris
October 2022
Sarah R
Ferris
,
RN
MSU
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Elmendorf Afb
,
AK
United States

 

 

 

Both kids' eyes lit up and they squealed with delight as it was the highlight of their day to get to feel some sense of normalcy in this otherwise scary hospitalization.
When two children, both 4 years old, were admitted to our unit on Halloween for respiratory illness, Lt Ferris went above and beyond to lift the children's spirits by making a personal sacrifice and demonstrating holistic care. Firstly, Lt Ferris treated her pediatric patient with the highest level of care during her shift. Sarah diligently reviewed the doctor's orders and unit protocol for our pediatric patients, recalling information she had learned in PALS just weeks before as a nurse with about 1 year of experience. For context, PALS is not required for nurses on our unit, but Sarah took the initiative to better herself and provide the highest level of care by earning the certificate. Lt Ferris questioned the provider about part of the plan of care; continuous fluids with added potassium although the patient was not hypokalemic. Upon her questioning, the physician modified the plan of care. Sarah's attentive care didn't stop here; she used her experience as a mom to impact these children in a way they'll never forget. Lt Ferris has two children of her own whom she went trick-or-treating with after a long day shift. Despite being expected to be at work for training the following day. Lt Ferris returned after her shift with Halloween goodie bags she put together for the children (that she lovingly refers to as "nuggets"). Both kids' eyes lit up and they squealed with delight as it was the highlight of their day to get to feel some sense of normalcy in this otherwise scary hospitalization. A memory that could have been remembered before Sarah's actions as a sad and frightening occasion was made positive. I have no doubt her kindness and dedication will be remembered as one of these children's first memories of healthcare and will stay with them for years to come.