My sister was a patient in IAH for over sixteen days. One specific RN showed outstanding and amazing compassion, care, support, and kindness to my sister who suffered a massive stroke due to a brain aneurysm rupture over a year ago. My sister is unable to communicate and unable to physically move. She requires a great deal of support and care. 

Karolien Van Der Watt cared for her 3.5 days of the 16 days, and each time has shown respect, compassion, great clinical care, support, and kindness to her. Karolien, consistently would come in q2h to reposition, trach care/suctioning and check on her comfort. Karolien talked to her as she would with anyone - in a respectful and caring manner. Karolien's clinical skills are gentle and every task she does is told to my sister and if the deep suctioning caused my sister discomfort, Karolien would apologize, yet explain the need for the deep suctioning. Karolien's voice is soothing, and I see my sister's response by her raising her eyebrow or if she didn't like it, the "look" of daggers.

Karolien is skillful and professional on caring for my sister’s sacral wound. While performing wound care, she is being as gentle as much as possible, as one could be performing wound care. Karolien is very confident in her skills which we see and appreciate. She not only provides support and kindness to my sister, but to me and my sister’s husband. Karolien has all the qualities that a patient or patient's family would want to have to take care of them or their loved one. INOVA wants the best and Karolien is the best.