Tara Gibson, BSN, RN, SCRN

My father was brought to the unit to remove a brain tumor this fall. Tara was his nurse for the three day shifts my father was in the ICU. She was the bright light my family needed during such a dark time.

She was the perfect fit to take care of my dad. She was funny, personable, bright, caring, and witty. She connected with my dad over college football as it was the first weekend of games. My dad shared that he was looking forward to the Virginia Tech Hokies game after his neurosurgery.

When my mom and I arrived post-surgery, we saw that Tara had not only turned the game on for my dad but also wrote on his hospital board that my dad's to-do list was to “Kick OR’s Butt and Hokies Win.” We shared a photo of the board with friends and family checking in on us.

She was the perfect match for my family, and every time she walked into the room, we felt a sense of relief. We were so lucky that she was working all three days my dad was in the ER.

 Tara was an exceptional advocate for my dad. She anticipated what he might need and explained exactly what was happening during his care. After his surgery, she came in and checked on him repeatedly to ensure he was doing okay.

She explained to him all of the things he was hooked up to, why he couldn’t get up, why he had a catheter in, and how the surgery went. She was so patient with him as he tried to take off his oxygen and wanted to stand up. She explained to him why he was on the diet and when he would be able to eat solid foods.

When my mom and I came in the day after surgery and learned my dad was going to be discharged, Tara was able explain to my mom and I why the doctors were thinking that way and really eased our worries. Every step of the way, Tara was there to explain what was going on and what the next steps would be.

Thank you, Tara!