Donna Kerns
February 2023
Donna
Kerns
,
Licensed Practical Nurse
Med/Surg
Hillcrest Hospital Pryor
Pryor
,
OK
United States
The patient was sitting in the courtyard, and Donna went outside to give him a “manicure”.
I have observed this nurse in action for a year or so now and rarely do I see her sitting idly at the nurse’s station. She is always up and moving, typically coming out of or going into a patient’s room, giving meds, providing personal care, or taking someone's coffee, ice, or anything they need. On several occasions, I have seen her taking wheelchair-bound patients for a ride down our hallway for a “change of scenery”.
One time that sticks out to me was when the nurse was wheeling the patient down our hallway, stopping at each of our doors and saying “wave and say hello”; even though the patient was confused, she appeared delighted and waved and said hello to everyone whose door was open. Most recently this nurse was caring for one of our long-term patients that has been here for many months. It was a Friday afternoon, and he was one of only three patients in the med/surg unit. The patient was sitting in the courtyard, and this nurse went outside to give him a “manicure”. She brought all the supplies needed: a basin of water, soap, lotion, towels, and sat out there with him, cleaning and trimming his nails, massaging his hands, and chatting away like they were old friends while he enjoyed the sunshine and a cup of coffee. Donna exhibits what nursing is all about: caring for our patients as if they were members of our own family.
***
Donna Kerns goes above and beyond her duties as a nurse. She takes her job as a caregiver to a higher level. She listens to her patients and makes sure before she leaves the room that the patient is comfortable and things are in order. Ms. Donna is a wonderful addition to Hillcrest. When I came in I had her the next day; she made sure I was comfortable and talked to me about what was going on with me. She made sure I had plenty to drink and was warm; she did her job and helped her tech which I find as unusual. She is compassionate, understanding, caring, and very competent with an unusual flair. Genuine caring for the people she takes care of. I would have her as my nurse every time if that was possible. She has set the bar very high for other nurses.
One time that sticks out to me was when the nurse was wheeling the patient down our hallway, stopping at each of our doors and saying “wave and say hello”; even though the patient was confused, she appeared delighted and waved and said hello to everyone whose door was open. Most recently this nurse was caring for one of our long-term patients that has been here for many months. It was a Friday afternoon, and he was one of only three patients in the med/surg unit. The patient was sitting in the courtyard, and this nurse went outside to give him a “manicure”. She brought all the supplies needed: a basin of water, soap, lotion, towels, and sat out there with him, cleaning and trimming his nails, massaging his hands, and chatting away like they were old friends while he enjoyed the sunshine and a cup of coffee. Donna exhibits what nursing is all about: caring for our patients as if they were members of our own family.
***
Donna Kerns goes above and beyond her duties as a nurse. She takes her job as a caregiver to a higher level. She listens to her patients and makes sure before she leaves the room that the patient is comfortable and things are in order. Ms. Donna is a wonderful addition to Hillcrest. When I came in I had her the next day; she made sure I was comfortable and talked to me about what was going on with me. She made sure I had plenty to drink and was warm; she did her job and helped her tech which I find as unusual. She is compassionate, understanding, caring, and very competent with an unusual flair. Genuine caring for the people she takes care of. I would have her as my nurse every time if that was possible. She has set the bar very high for other nurses.