Caroline Steidl had taken care of a young college-aged student who had a devastating brain injury after suffering cardiac arrest. Even though there was not much Caroline could do to care for her patient she cared tremendously for his family during a difficult time. Caroline took time to get to know the patient's mother and extended family. She took time to listen to the family's concerns and to answer any questions they may have had. She took time to get to know them and through them know her patient.
Caroline got especially close with the patient's mother. She was careful and attentive to her needs. Once the family had come to the difficult decision to withdraw care from the patient, Caroline asked if there were any specific beliefs or rituals that they wanted to incorporate. Caroline worked with the patient's mother to arrange the room to fit the family's needs and to follow their wishes as outlined by the patient's mother. After developing a close relationship in a matter of days, the patient's mother asked that only Caroline be present when the patient was removed from life support.
Caroline stayed in the room with the patient's mother and comforted her during what must have been one of the most difficult times in her life. Caroline was warm, caring, compassionate, and in-tune to the family's needs. These are qualities you cannot teach. They take time to develop and to become comfortable. Especially when it comes to end of life care it can be difficult to find the right words or actions for new nurses. Caroline was exceptional. She can make the art of nursing look easy because she genuinely cares about people. Caroline went above and beyond in her care for this patient in a way I have never seen in a nurse so early on in her nursing career. She made me proud to work. She is truly someone who should be recognized.