Many times Heather has gone above and beyond for her patients. She is always aware of her patient's needs beyond the patient's own requests. Last week, Heather assisted with the discharge of a patient whose spouse had died. Heather helped her get ready for the funeral and stayed until 9 pm assisting the patient and family. She is hands-on with patients and you always feel like your patient is the only one she has because Heather is so calm and caring.
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Heather has been a 5D RN for about a year. She always gives 200% to all the patients and families. She is patient, present and compassionate. One story particularly illustrates this about Heather. A couple of months ago, on an incredibly busy ortho day, we had an elderly gentleman who was actively passing on. I watched Heather intently that day, running room to room, taking care of pain needs, answering questions, admitting patients, but she kept returning to his room. As busy as she was, she brought in our comfort cart and played classical music throughout the day for this patient. She massaged his hands and arms with lotion for comfort, talked with him and medicated him for pain. He passed on with Heather at his side, not alone, and hearing music. I later learned that the family would not or could not come in. I think he knew Heather was with him and he passed peacefully. This is only one example of her dedication to the art and science of nursing.