I have worked beside Julie for the entirety of my nursing career. Julie demonstrates a phenomenal amount of skill and expertise with the orthopedic population she serves. I have watched Julie navigate very difficult patient and family situations with the utmost respect and grace. Julie collaborates with physicians and other ancillary staff throughout her entire day and is always willing to provide her knowledge and gain feedback from others. Julie acts as the liaison between the orthopedic clinic and physicians and the inpatient staff and families.
I watch Julie constantly mentoring staff on the unit and offering a helping hand with patients even if they are not within her population of expertise. Julie has strived to provide our patients with the best and safest care through remaining curious and asking questions to clarify plans of care and making sure we are respecting and acknowledging the patient and family's autonomy.
I personally witnessed Julie work with a very frustrated family. Julie spent an abundance of time teaching proper dressing changes and skin care regimen to the family until they felt comfortable. Julie remained calm, respectful, and empathetic to the family even in times of extreme frustration for them. Julie offered the family many problem-solving solutions; special dressings to ease changes, changing up medication regimen options to ease family needs and just providing the family with support and empathy in a time of utter fear and upset. Julie also worked tirelessly with the staff nurse to make sure she was not fatigued from the demands of this patient and family. This patient had a skin condition that without proper skin care could have dangerous consequences. Julie is truly an asset to the organization and the West 10 team!