March 2010
Julie
Sharples
,
RN
Medical Unit
Seattle Children's
Seattle
,
WA
United States
Julie Sharples
RN, Medical Unit
Nurse Julie made a huge difference in the lives of one of her patient/families by first meeting the needs of her 5 year old patient and then his Mother and Father’s needs. 5 year old ‘Sam’ was here on the medical unit in a critical state (previously healthy, now having seizures and nobody had any answers)… his parents were worried to the point of having a difficult time communicating with their caregivers in a constructive manner. Julie became Sam’s nurse during a very rocky time for this family when they were receiving bad news on their child’s status and several differing opinions. Sam’s parents were having a hard time trusting all of his medical/nursing time. Julie was able to interact with Sam on his 5 year old level by singing silly songs and having rhyming greetings every time she entered his room. She quickly gained his parents trust and was able to convince them to take breaks/eat/rest and whatever they needed from her she would be there for their son and them. I say the mother SMILE for the first time in a week and a half!! I saw the father look relieved that his wife was more relaxed and taking better care of herself. Julie was instrumental in helping Sam’s parents communicate with the medical team and vice verse. This is one of many examples in which Julie truly has made a difference for our pt/families here on the Med Unit. Another example is when the mother of a child who was coming to the hospital to die asked if Julie could be her nurse! Julie was the ONLY nurse she felt comfortable with… Julie changed her schedule to be on duty the day the child was admitted and was a significant person in this Mom’s experience of her child’s care here at Children’s and she so deserves the honor of this award. I’m always amazed at the commitment Julie demonstrates to her patient/families here at Children’s. Thank You.
RN, Medical Unit
Nurse Julie made a huge difference in the lives of one of her patient/families by first meeting the needs of her 5 year old patient and then his Mother and Father’s needs. 5 year old ‘Sam’ was here on the medical unit in a critical state (previously healthy, now having seizures and nobody had any answers)… his parents were worried to the point of having a difficult time communicating with their caregivers in a constructive manner. Julie became Sam’s nurse during a very rocky time for this family when they were receiving bad news on their child’s status and several differing opinions. Sam’s parents were having a hard time trusting all of his medical/nursing time. Julie was able to interact with Sam on his 5 year old level by singing silly songs and having rhyming greetings every time she entered his room. She quickly gained his parents trust and was able to convince them to take breaks/eat/rest and whatever they needed from her she would be there for their son and them. I say the mother SMILE for the first time in a week and a half!! I saw the father look relieved that his wife was more relaxed and taking better care of herself. Julie was instrumental in helping Sam’s parents communicate with the medical team and vice verse. This is one of many examples in which Julie truly has made a difference for our pt/families here on the Med Unit. Another example is when the mother of a child who was coming to the hospital to die asked if Julie could be her nurse! Julie was the ONLY nurse she felt comfortable with… Julie changed her schedule to be on duty the day the child was admitted and was a significant person in this Mom’s experience of her child’s care here at Children’s and she so deserves the honor of this award. I’m always amazed at the commitment Julie demonstrates to her patient/families here at Children’s. Thank You.