Erika is always so willing to help her co-workers out with her bilingual skills in a pinch, and this day she was truly a gift. We had had a patient in the ICU for just shy of two months, intubated, and her vital signs indicated she was actively dying. I called Erika to ask her if she could come to the patient's bedside to be physically present and tell her that it was okay to let go and be with her husband. Erika did not hesitate. She came up, rubbed the patient's arm, and spoke into her ear - a language the patient was able to understand - along with a gentle touch. The patient was finally able to let go and be with her husband with the help of Erika telling her it was okay to rest now.
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After spending six days at SSM Janesville, I wish to nominate a very dedicated RN for the DAISY Award. Erika cared for me many hours of several of those days. She is a very intelligent nurse and excellent communicator, well organized, and extremely caring. I was very fortunate to have her care for me. She is SSM perfection at its best!