All the nurses on this unit were exceptional, however Nicole stood out just a bit above due not only to her clinical skills, but also her emotional support. Her eyes reflected her deep concern and always her care was present. One incident concerned an IV that had gone bad and had to be started again. My veins were not cooperating and after a couple attempts, she called the head of this service for the entire hospital. Between them telling stories to divert my attention, she always kept warm eye contact and success occurred. She came back several times that afternoon and the next day offering exceptional care. I will never forget her.
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My husband was admitted to Observation. He was anticoagulated and scheduled for discharge. Prior to discharge, Nicole took his blood pressure one more time - she was concerned that his blood pressure was high, with no history of hypertension. His BP had been elevated in the morning, however, the hospitalist thought it could be managed on an outpatient basis by his PCP. Nicole was uneasy about this elevation and called the doctor to be cautious. She saved his life! As the afternoon wore on, we learned that he had multiple pulmonary emboli with an enlarged right ventricle, which led to the increased BP. Nicole never left his beside until he was safely transferred to the ICU.
We are forever grateful for the clinical skill, experience, care, and constant reassurance Nicole provided. I have repeatedly told everyone, "A nurse saved my husband's life!" Nicole is an extraordinary nurse.