November 2020
Erika
Giles
,
BSN, RN
General Surgery
Banner Desert Medical Center
Erika took a patient out of her room, in which she had been cooped up for a total of 157 days! Erika took her down to an outdoor area of the hospital just for a change of atmosphere and fresh air.
Whether we are in a patient's room working together and I am directly observing Erika's daily hands-on work in action, or we are discussing our mutual patients in interdisciplinary rounds, Erika always displays professionalism, compassion, empathy, and superb care. One instance in particular that stands out is when she took a patient out of her room, in which she had been cooped up for a total of 157 days! Erika took her down to an outdoor area of the hospital just for a change of atmosphere and fresh air. Such a simple, yet unfortunately foreign idea to some of us, speaking for myself only. It is easy to get caught up in a routine that eliminates time for such thought. This action proves to me that Erika can empathize and care for others as we all should. What a great example she sets for me and all her colleagues. This particular cancer patient was here waiting for the appointment of a public fiduciary, as she was deemed incompetent to make her own medical decisions. Once her hearing took place, she would ultimately be moved to a group home to live out her days. Who knows if and when someone would take her outside again just to sit and chat? Erika's actions touched my heart in such an amazing and unexpected way, and she reminded me of why I feel nurses are a Godsend.