November 2022
Miriam M
Policastro
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
Atrium Health Cleveland
Shelby
,
NC
United States
Even though it was the end of her shift, Miriam made the transition selflessly and seamlessly.
Miriam was working night shift this March when my grandmother was admitted to ICU for critically low sodium. My grandmother is 94 and had been in the ER for over 12 hours when we moved to a room on the floor just before 7 am. Even though it was the end of her shift, Miriam made the transition selflessly and seamlessly. We were so grateful for her positive spirit and caring attitude after having been up for 24 hours straight, and we were even more grateful to benefit from her attentive care for the next two nights. Miriam was always kind, patient, and on top of my grandmother’s care, which is a trifecta that is increasingly uncommon among overwhelmed healthcare professionals. My dad and I felt at ease leaving the hospital at night when Miriam was on, and most importantly, my grandmother felt good about being with her too. While these might all seem like little things, they are so hard to come by anymore, and we hope that Miriam will be recognized for her commitment to the heart of the profession. I should have submitted this sooner, but I didn’t find the nomination form until my grandfather was hospitalized this month….even six months later, we haven’t forgotten.