October 2017
Karla
Moniz
,
BSN, RN-BC
Med/Surg
The Miriam Hospital
Providence
,
RI
United States
Karla is an extraordinary nurse and a consummate professional. She used her well-timed sense of humor to make a connection with me immediately. The evening she was working I was exceedingly frustrated. The pharmacist made a decision that doubled my hospital stay from two to four days. Karla took the time to empathize with me feeling helpless and confused. She reframed my anger for me and read my chart to determine the reason for the dosing change. Karla tracked down my hospitalist to inform and consult with her. As it turns out the dosing change was made for my own safety: to avoid toxic levels of the medication in my bloodstream. Karla saw beyond my anger and identified my confusion and helplessness. She didn't dismiss me as a "problem patient" and she was quite kind when I apologized for my behavior the next day. Karla was also very helpful in explaining the reasons the decision was made. Karla also suggested that I jot down all of my questions for the treatment team and for my MD. A great and really useful suggestion because I could have some sense of control.