We have the great privilege to work alongside Debra Roditski APN for Palliative Care services. We have been able to witness the extraordinary and compassionate care she provides to patients, families, and staff. She meets every challenge and is graceful in providing support to patients and families with advanced disease and dying. Deb is a true advocate for patients and supports them without judgment, even when it is not the popular thing to do. She is a nurse leader in the palliative program and is always available to assist the team with challenging cases. She incorporates an ethical and best standard of care practices for each patient consulted.

Deb brings humanity and care to everything she does. When questioned, bedside/staff nurses praise her for her kindness, collaboration, and availability. The nurse manager of the ICU provided this feedback: "Deb is truly an asset to the ICU. She is kind and compassionate while also being informative to patients/families during their most difficult and vulnerable moments. The value she and her role add to the nurses, patients, and families in the ICU could never be measured."

Deb is a team player who is very patient-centered in her approach. She never loses sight of the fact that she is working with human beings in the most difficult times in their lives. We have personally witnessed Debra hold the hands of her patients and loved ones. She laughs with her patients and families. She cries with them too. She takes the time to really make her patients and family members feel seen, heard and understood.

“We collaborated on a case where the patient’s son initially had great hesitation when it came to engaging with our team. Debbie was patient and compassionate. She built a great rapport with the son and made sure he was always educated and informed with regard to the patient’s care. The patient was ultimately discharged to hospice. Her son spoke very highly of Deb, stating he knew that God sent her and the team to help him. He also thanked her for being someone he knew he could trust.”

We believe the most beautiful example of her benevolence can be witnessed when she is present for a compassionate extubation. She talks to the patients and lets them know she is there and will do everything she can to make them comfortable. She holds their hands. She rubs their heads. She acknowledges their right to dignity in the last moments of their lives, and sees to it that they know they are not alone.

“One patient who comes to mind when thinking about what a wonderful and deserving person Deb is is a patientwho had multiple admissions within a few months. Deb really advocated for this patient and provided such support to the patient's daughter during very difficult times. The daughter of this patient personally reached out to thank Deb for all of her help and her advocacy for her father's care and dignity during his inpatient hospital stays with us. She actively collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to make sure the patient's symptoms were managed and that his care wishes were clearly documented.”

We respectfully submit this application so that we may recognize the contributions that Deb has made to the palliative program and patient care.