December 2020
Charlene
Than
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Intensive Care Unit
Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center
Charlene had a caring touch with patients always willing to take the time and explain things to them whether it be medication procedures or simply just a quick introduction to the unit.
As I make my rounds, I ask if there is anyone, they would like to recognize one thing is almost always certain: they will say the name Charlene. One thing that I can say is that they are not wrong. Charlene does a phenomenal job as a charge nurse but her bedside skills are just as great. I remember when I was new to KP and new to this ICU she precepted me on the unit (she was not yet the charge nurse) and I remember thinking to myself I hope to be as good a nurse as Charlene is. Her knowledge and skill set was on point but her bedside manner was even better. She had a caring touch with patients always willing to take the time and explain things to them whether it be medication procedures or simply just a quick introduction to the unit. She does not hesitate to ensure the patient understands every aspect of the care they will receive here. This dedication to patient care has continued in her work as the charge nurse. Although limited in her bedside role she does a great job to ensure that the nurses provide the same type of compassion she did when she took patients. When needed, she is willing and able to take on patient assignments, and never does she complain about it. She does whatever is necessary for the unit to provide the best care for EVERY patient EVERY time.