When I think of Terrin, I think of the kind of nurse I would like to grow up and be. She has been a huge reason why our teams work so well together. It is something that I have felt since working with her, but the biggest example I can think of is when we received a trauma pediatric patient-one who was in an incredibly critical state and something that we really don’t receive here at ARMC.

Terrin was the primary nurse and she exemplified what high-quality care should look like. She was incredibly organized from start to finish during the code and knew exactly what to check on and what was needed to get done. She had taken the time to really prepare as much as she could before the patient arrived on the unit. She maintained her composure and professionalism but most importantly she demonstrated incredible compassion towards this patient and their loved ones. To put this into context, this patient arrived to her as a hot drop from OR, with surgeons performing a cardiac massage in an open chest. We knew that at this time Terrin needed us as much as we have needed her during our shifts. She not only rose to the occasion, but she also exceeded it.

After the passing of the patient, Terrin was at the bedside making sure that the family would be able to come and have a proper visit. She helped make a handprint/footprint box to give as a gift to the patient’s mother. She not only cared for them, but she also checked on us. She encouraged us to talk about what we had just experienced, and she made sure we were feeling ok to go home. It was a moment where we shared the same grief and felt the same sadness from the patient’s loss and Terrin was there to really hold us together.

She’s such a hardworking, compassionate nurse to everyone around her. Nurses like Terrin make hospitals better and make an impact in our communities. It’s hard to put into words how incredible she is and even just writing this I feel doesn’t do her justice, but she deserves to be recognized for being such an asset to our community.