Vicki Zerla, RN was recently nominated by the daughter of a patient. The daughter wrote:
Vicki Zerla was working on 4 South during my mother’s recent admission. From the first moment I met her, she was warm and caring, making sure to introduce herself to me and to inform me about the condition of my mother in terms that were completely understandable and clear. She interacted with Mom in a very gentle manner, never once treating her like an “old woman,” but instead treating her with respect.
On the second day of Mom’s stay, when Vicki and I spoke by phone, she noted that a discharge was possible. As we discussed my fears about Mom’s ability to immediately return home without some short-term skilled care, Vicki was extremely supportive and added her own concerns based upon some very astute assessment observations she had made. With her help and advocacy, Mom was able to be discharged to a short-term skilled care bed at our desired location.
Vicki was an outstanding example of what nursing should be today.