March 2016
Whitney
Nelson
,
RN
Resource
Sanford Medical Center - Fargo
Fargo
,
ND
United States
One night the whole hospital was short staffed. On 6 South, there were 24 patients and only 2 nurses scheduled, making it a 12 to 1 ratio. After a text was sent out by staffing, Whitney Nelson of the Resource Team called in to volunteer her time. Knowing it would be a challenging and demanding night with an 8 to 1 ratio, she said she "picked up to try to soften the blow for the other staff." She truly understands the importance of collaboration between all the different units to provide safe and quality care demonstrating her compassion for her patients and her coworkers. I have worked side by side with Whitney on numerous occasions where she has stayed calm and collected through difficult circumstances, so it is no surprise to me she chose to assist the floor with the highest patient to nurse ratio. She provides extraordinary care and reveals her passion as a nursing professional by being a healer and a leader to those around her. This is an example of an outstanding role model who inspires not only me, but those around her as well.