I routinely witness Carol going above and beyond while working. She truly exemplifies and models the WakeWay when dealing with patients, families, and co-workers. Her most recent act of kindness and compassion was so amazing and heartwarming that I must share this story:
In our 2nd floor ICU we were caring for a patient who had a chronic trach, was on the vent, and was on Hospice Care services. We all knew he was very close to the end of his life when it came to Carol's attention that his adult son suffered from extreme claustrophobia and anxiety making it near impossible for him to take either the elevator or the stairs to see his dying father. The son had made it to the hospital and even into the stairwell but was unable to get himself to go further. When Carol became aware of this, she arranged to meet the son along with the ICU physician in the stairwell to discuss options. Even this was too much for him, so Carol and the physician took the son out to our courtyard to come up with a plan.
After this outside discussion where the son was informed of this father's condition and current status, Carol coordinated multiple team members including the primary RN, the respiratory therapist for the ICU, the charge nurse on 1 East, the clinical administrator, and environmental services to help the son see his father one last time. When everything was ready, Carol, along with the help of the respiratory therapist prepared the patient, the ventilator and with the blessing of the physician, transported the patient to a clean room closest to the main hallway allowing the son one last visit with his father.
Carol's compassion and willingness to think outside the box and go the extra mile allowed this gentleman to see his dying father one last time. She is truly a role model for not only WakeMed but for mankind in general.
Thank you Carol - "We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!"