Lana is an excellent clinician, quickly identifying with her patients and able to see subtle changes for fast intervention. For Lana, the patient will always come first, and making sure the needs of the patient have been met takes top priority whether it is her patient or someone else's. When you witness Lana providing care to her patients, you see the way she connects and the adoration in her eyes as she helps these warriors fight the biggest battle. Lana treats every patient as if they were her own child. When parents can't be at the bedside, Lana takes the time to hold cuddle, and love the patients as if they are her own.
A specific example of Lana's dedication to the patients of the PCICU comes to mind with our resident patient of 9 months. This patient has spent his entire life in the hospital coming to us from the NICU and having multiple procedures and surgeries. The family is unable to spend a lot of time at the hospital due to family and work commitments, along with the distance they must travel. The case is challenging for many of the staff. I frequently walk past this patient room to see Lana providing the little things like giving an extra bath, washing and styling the hair, and playing with the babies while providing the care making a connection with the patient versus just providing assigned care. I see her talking to him, nurturing him, and providing him the TLC that his parents are unable to provide. It doesn't matter if it is Lana's assignment for the day, she enters his room and responds to his needs, again treating him as if he is her own. She cleans his lips, moisturizes his skin, and rocks him until he falls asleep. Lana doesn't only listen with her heart, but she practices nursing from deep inside her heart.