I had the privilege of having Kara as my nurse several times during my hospital stay. However, there was one morning in particular when I was having respiratory complications that I wanted to recognize her for her skilled and efficient nursing care.
After Patient-Centered Nurse Report, Kara came back to my room to assess my respiratory status. Overnight, I had experienced respiratory distress and the nurse put me on a non-rebreather to keep my oxygen saturations up. Furthermore, a morning CXR showed CHF, flash pulmonary edema. I knew she was probably concerned about managing my respiratory symptoms on the nursing unit. However, Kara took the time to listen to my thoughts and concerns about staying on the nursing unit. She was very calm and reassured me that she would be with me during this stressful time. She quickly administered the diuretic. She then noted that I would not tolerate ambulating to the bathroom. So, she pulled the bedside commode close to the bed and educated my husband how to help me safely to the bedside commode.
Kara kept a close eye on me that morning and continues to assess my response to the diuretic. She was attentive and responsive to my needs. By late morning, I was showing improvements, and by early afternoon, Kara and I celebrated by removing the on-rebreather and placing me on 6 L of oxygen. Kara constantly checked on me and encouraged me every step of the way. She is a highly skilled nurse who treated me with kindness and compassion during a stressful time. I appreciated the time she spent with me and her words of encouragement.
I was fortunate to have Kara as my nurse several times during my stay. It was comforting having her as my nurse and knowing that I would be safe with her. Kara is exceptionally professional, pays attention to every detail, and displays a warm and caring attitude. Thank you, Kara, for your skilled and compassionate care that day! You are awesome!