Veronica Pearl exemplifies all the special qualities that an RN should have when caring for her patients. She routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty, and the smiles and gratitude shown by her patients and their families continually amaze us every day.
Recently, we were involved with the care of a patient who had buried his eldest son the day before his heart cath. The family had endured a grueling month together while caring for their loved one, and had rallied with the father to be sure he received his own care as well. Veronica quickly picked up on all the mixed emotions of the patient, as well as his family members. She was able to put their minds at ease before his procedure. She was by our patient’s side throughout his experience here, talking with him about his son, his strong family, and even about his love for gardening and fresh-grown vegetables, of which he was unable to partake in due to his son’s declining health.
At the conclusion of his time in the cath lab, she accompanied the patient and his family back to his room, all the while keeping all of them comfortable and the mood light. She returned to our department, opened her lunch, and took out the vegetables she had brought from home. After cleaning and preparing them, she promptly walked them over to our patient and presented them to him for his lunch. His smile was endearing, and the family’s hearts were warmed by the thoughtfulness.
On another occasion, an elderly patient of ours was expressing her disgruntlement at not being able to bake or do things as much as she used to. She and Veronica bantered back and forth about favorite recipes, foods, and the like. The mood lightened considerable and laughter followed. The following morning, which happened to be a Saturday and Veronica’s day off, she appeared at the patient’s bedside with a batch of her favorite cookies, again astounding the family and patient, as well as our staff.
Veronica treats all of her patients in the same manner, continually putting their physical and emotional needs at the forefront of her day. For this, she deserves a special thank you. Not only for the extra effort she puts into her everyday work, but for making us smile as well.