Karen Milam
July 2014
Karen
Milam
,
RN
Emergency Department
Mercy Hospital
Springfield
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

Karen is one of the two follow up RNs in the ETC (Emergency Trauma Center). On this particular Sunday, she received a phone call from a patient who was very distraught because she was having frequent episodes of diarrhea and she didn't have any toilet paper in her home. At the time of the phone call, Karen's shift had ended, but she stayed an extra 30 minutes to assist this patient. Karen even waited on hold when the patient would have to step away from the phone to use the bathroom. From my understanding, this patient did not express any concerns regarding her recent ER visit that would be appropriate for the follow-up nurse to address; she simply verbalized her need for toilet paper. Karen inquired about family or neighbors who might be able to assist her, but the patient stated she had no one. Prior to Karen leaving the department on that shift, Karen asked me to look up the patient's address because she wanted to go by and check on the patient and take her some toilet paper. I followed up with Karen the next day and found out she did indeed stop by this patient's home to address her needs. Karen ALWAYS goes beyond for her patients; this is just one example of her exceptional Mercy service!