Our department is currently caring for a vulnerable adult who is at the mercy of the court system for healthcare decisions. Due to these dynamics, this patient has spent several weeks in our unit without visitors or family presence. This situation has truly been heartbreaking for the ICU staff. Anja has spent numerous shifts with this patient. The patient is non-verbal and is now non-interactive with staff. Initially, the patient would moan with pain and make eye contact when staff were at the bedside. At present, she no longer moans or opens her eyes to any stimulus. Anja has taken exceptional care of this patient throughout her stay, making sure she felt safe, getting her positioned to comfort her, and taking the least invasive approach to care possible. Whether it be painting the patient’s nails, bringing the patient a beautiful blanket for comfort, or playing her favorite music in the room, Anja has shown this patient continued dignity and respect.

I know if my family members were in the ICU, I would be so thankful that they were under Anja’s care. Anja’s advocacy has gone above and beyond the walls of this hospital. She has spent time aside from work seeking answers to nagging questions that we, as healthcare staff, have been asking. She has also advocated for ethics to be involved in this patient's care plan. Many don’t realize the “behind the scenes” work that goes into patient care. The semantics of this situation, without the physical presence of family or court-appointed guardian, make it more difficult. Anja has made it her mission to make sure we, as an institution, are doing all we can to lovingly and effectively care for this patient.

Anja truly envelops the art of nursing and deserves the highest recognition for her care. Thank you, Anja, for all you do, for your service to your community, and for being a role model in the ICU.