Deb is one nurse whose genuine feelings of care and compassion can be felt when she is educating patients and staff alike. On several occasions, I have spoken with her seeking guidance when I have been uncertain about treatment. With every phone call made, she finds a way to meet with me, in person, to discuss my questions, and put me at ease by providing skilled and in-depth education. I always leave a conversation with Deb feeling like I have learned something new and useful.
On one occasion, we were working with limited staff while maintaining safety on the unit. At this same time, I was attempting to review a patient's difficult home medication list. The medical information we received was conflicting and I was worried that if not addressed with extra verification the outcome could have been devastating so I was on hold for a long period of time waiting to speak with the patient's PCP.
Not only did Deb promptly present to the department to discuss this and address my concerns, but she also took it upon herself to speak with the patient in person for verification and call the patient's home pharmacy while I continued to be on hold. After she had completed this, she began answering the unit phone and fulfilling other patients' requests. She even took it upon herself to call the in-house pharmacy for further clarification and quite literally tracked down a hospitalist on the floor for me as there was an issue with their cell phone coverage. This is just one example. She displays this level of professionalism and work ethic with every encounter.
When she is present in the unit, I always feel at ease. I have seen her phenomenal skills when educating patients at their level and I can say for certain that she is a powerful and compassionate asset to this hospital.