Natalie Shea
May 2021
Natalie
Shea
,
RN, BSN, CEN
Emergency Manager/Trauma Coordinator
MercyOne Elkader Medical Center
Elkader
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

Natalie cared for the patient until his final breath, like he was family.
Natalie has been a nurse for 40 plus years. Not only does she have the experience of an exceptional nurse, but she’s compassionate and hardworking. She takes the time to lead and guide others, always taking the time to patiently explain processes and procedures to her peers. But the main reason she deserves this is the compassion she shows her patients.

I personally witnessed her care of others, but the one moment that stands out to me the most was on a recent night in December. She had come on shift at 6:00 pm, and after going through the pre-shift report, she went to visit her patient. As soon as she walked into the room of an elderly sick patient, she knew that it was soon his time. She stayed with him, never leaving his side, making sure he was comfortable as possible and never alone. Natalie cared for the patient until his final breath, like he was family. Even after the patient’s family arrived, she never left their side. She was a beacon of light in their dark time. Not only was she there for her patient, but she was also there for his family, offering a hand to hold and answered any questions they had. She only left his room two times to inform the doctor of any changes, and then was right back with them during his time of need.

Natalie Shea is the full embodiment of a true nurse. She’s hardworking, knowledgeable, selfless, and above all, compassionate and loving to those around her.