I am writing to express our gratitude for the nursing care provided to our family member during her recent admission to Kettering Health. She is 95 years old with multiple chronic health problems who presented to the Emergency Department with a history of fever, neck pain, rash, and other problems. During the first 24 hours following admission to the inpatient unit, she was assigned to the care of Caryl. The nurse explained that the ED physician who admitted her had recommended a lumbar puncture. The nurse explained that this was a somewhat invasive procedure, given the patient symptoms; and proposed that her family consider other, less aggressive measures as initial steps in establishing a diagnosis and course of treatment.
Caryl spoke with me (daughter-in-law) with patient permission, shared information about her symptoms, and response to supportive treatment for her symptoms. As a health care professional, I was very impressed by Caryl's critical thinking and her compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. She developed an individualized plan of care and made every effort to include the patient's family as members of the care team. She was approachable and realistic in her assessment of physical and psychological needs. She also assured the patient's daughter had the necessary contact information to remain abreast of her condition throughout the night and the following day; Caryl was both sensitive and informative in providing details about her condition and prognosis.
Through personal and professional experience, I am keenly aware that nurses are pivotal to the patient experience and are challenged daily to meet the complex needs of elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities. Caryl's knowledge, communication skills, and patient care values are an asset to Kettering Health and truly made a difference in the experience of both patient and family in this situation.