Tara Shoemaker’s nomination was submitted by the daughter of her patient:
My mother was in a bad situation and was very critical. More than one time I thought I was going to have to let her go. Tara was amazing and she explained my mom’s condition to me so I could understand what was going on. She took exceptional care of my mom and I really do have a special place in my heart for her.
Addendum by Lenny Shepard, NM CCU/MICU:
This patient came to our unit very ill with a slim chance of survival. While the daughter spoke highly of all the staff members that touched their lives in CCU/MICU, she continued to repeat how Tara Shoemaker, RN “had a special place in her heart”.
She was very impressed with Tara’s focus on not only the patient but also for their family. She said, “Tara kept us informed of every detail; I always knew she was doing everything she could for my mother.” At this point her mother was still very ill but she continued to say her mother wouldn’t still be with us if it were not for “our angel, Tara”. She also touched on how anxious and scared she was herself and emphasized that she also wouldn’t be here today except that Tara’s caring and compassion and education for their family was helping her to hold it together.
I had typed up these comments to recognize Tara at our staff meeting but the daughter came to me today and said she submitted a DAISY nomination for Tara.
PHOTO (L to R): Lenny Shepard, Nurse Manager; Tara Shoemaker, RN, BSN; Karen Kramer, CNO