Stephanie Lapham
November 2017
Stephanie
Lapham
,
RN
ICU
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Torrance
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

Sometimes a hospital crisis or event can be a blur for hours or days, and before you know it, it's over. The doctors and nurses and staff all deserve the credit for helping to turn that crisis to a success story. But when your wife survives three months in the ICU, you begin to see how that teamwork and skills of multiple angels pull it all together, each one important in a field of beautiful flowers, like daisies. They work together as one. Yet sometimes one daisy stands out in my mind over those long critical days of several crises. RN Stephanie is that flower of beauty, skills, attitude, team leadership, and truly a critical care inspiration. There are skills and techniques and patient approaches, all in the best interests of the patient. But when my wife would hesitate in some way, Stephanie would turn that into a cheerful diversion to another approach, always smiling and encouraging. Not saying "next time" but saying "let's try this instead" and would bring the therapists and nurses together to work as a team. My wife experienced a grave life-threatening reaction that occurred during dialysis. Stephanie didn't wait to see what would happen. Stephanie didn't wait for a doctor. I know. I watched it all. She took charge in the room, asserted her training and acted immediately. She likely saved my wife's life in those fleeting seconds. I know it. I will never forget Stephanie. I will never forget her heroic yet compassionate attitude. Stephanie, I will never forget you. Never.