Paula Meehan
August 2021
Paula
Meehan
,
RN
ICU
Terre Haute Regional Hospital
Terre Haute
,
IN
United States
Paula had him as a patient for several nights in a row and on her day off she came in with Haagen Das ice cream and fresh blueberries for him.
After becoming experienced, competent, and respected as a long-time respiratory therapist, Paula wasn't done with her personal and professional development. Paula Meehan pushed through nursing school at a time when others her age are planning their retirement. She energetically worked and proudly completed nursing school all the while she also kept a positive upbeat attitude. Paula is known for her work ethic, consistent "can do" attitude and for being a lifetime learner. She encourages others and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
After completing nursing school she took a job in the critical care flex pool where she learned tough skills and demonstrated an ability to be adaptable to change. She recently transitioned to a full-time night shift position where she consistently works hard to make a difference in patient's lives. One example of her generosity and kindness included a patient in the ICU with Covid. He had been here several days and like most of our Covid patients, he was struggling to breathe, distraught at not being able to see his family or be at home and unable to really eat a full meal. For several days he had been talking about getting ice cream and fresh blueberries. Paula had him as a patient for several nights in a row and on her day off she came in with Haagen Das ice cream and fresh blueberries for him. Unfortunately he would later pass away rather abruptly. The family called and said they wanted to acknowledge the person who brought the ice cream and blueberries because the patient raved about how good it was and how great it made him feel. The family had no idea who this person was that had been so kind. After a little research, we discovered who the kind person was. Others on the unit volunteered that it was Paula who brought this in for this patient. Paula herself never admitted it or expected any recognition for this. Paula has a heart of gold, and this is just one of the many kind things she does on a regular basis.
After completing nursing school she took a job in the critical care flex pool where she learned tough skills and demonstrated an ability to be adaptable to change. She recently transitioned to a full-time night shift position where she consistently works hard to make a difference in patient's lives. One example of her generosity and kindness included a patient in the ICU with Covid. He had been here several days and like most of our Covid patients, he was struggling to breathe, distraught at not being able to see his family or be at home and unable to really eat a full meal. For several days he had been talking about getting ice cream and fresh blueberries. Paula had him as a patient for several nights in a row and on her day off she came in with Haagen Das ice cream and fresh blueberries for him. Unfortunately he would later pass away rather abruptly. The family called and said they wanted to acknowledge the person who brought the ice cream and blueberries because the patient raved about how good it was and how great it made him feel. The family had no idea who this person was that had been so kind. After a little research, we discovered who the kind person was. Others on the unit volunteered that it was Paula who brought this in for this patient. Paula herself never admitted it or expected any recognition for this. Paula has a heart of gold, and this is just one of the many kind things she does on a regular basis.