Last week Deanna was break and relief nurse on 4W. That night I saw her give a 20 minute back rub to an emotional patient who was not having their pain controlled. She made a personal connection and used her time and verbal communication skills to calm and comfort a person in their time of need. Deanna exercised excellent judgment and advocates for her patients tirelessly.

That same night I saw Deanna holding the hand of a confused man who had low blood pressure and needed a fluid bolus but was refusing an IV. She showed him respect and continued to try and get him to consent to being treated with an IV stick, positioning, etc. She was the only person he made a connection with and would allow to start an IV on him.

Deanna is often recognized by her fellow staff members and by the patients on my rounding for providing exceptional care. She is a real “go getter”, and very quietly a strong individual who always speaks well of Kaiser, her team and her patients.