Brandi Kurucar
September 2025
Brandi
Kurucar
,
RN
Pre Op-Post Op
Slidell Memorial Hospital East
Slidell
,
LA
United States
Brandi volunteered to work on a holiday weekend in an unfamiliar environment, yet she approached the situation with a selfless spirit.
On Friday, we received a patient in the infusion department who required a blood transfusion. Before proceeding, we needed to perform a type-and-screen test. Given that the patient had antibodies, the blood had to be sent to South Shore for processing, which would take at least 24 hours. However, the type and screen results would expire on Sunday, necessitating a complete restart of the process on Monday. The patient needed the transfusion before Tuesday of the following week. The patient receiving blood on Saturday was essential.
Since my nursing staff does not work on weekends, I reached out to a volunteer among my team, and Brandi graciously stepped forward, even on a holiday weekend. I was highly grateful for her support. When I met Brandi on Saturday, she exhibited a remarkable attitude reminiscent of Florence Nightingale; she was genuinely eager to help the patient. After setting everything up, we went to retrieve the patient from the registration desk, using a wheelchair due to her weakness. Not only was it Saturday, but we also decided to move upstairs to a floor that offered more support. Brandi volunteered to work on a holiday weekend in an unfamiliar environment, yet she approached the situation with a selfless spirit. Her compassion was terrific, and the real impact was evident in the patient's feelings.
Having previously been in infusion, the patient was aware that weekend services were limited. Brandi could have arrived feeling frustrated by the circumstances; however, her positive attitude made all the difference. Unlike nurses who may only fulfill their duties without engagement, Brandi greeted the patient with warmth, compassion, and genuine care. The patient's relief was visible on her face. The patient was understandably anxious about the IV insertion due to her history of problematic veins, but Brandi took her time and completed the IV on the first attempt. The treatment extended into the afternoon, during which Brandi remained engaged, comforting the patient by discussing her family. Once the blood transfusion was complete, the patient looked at Brandi, tears in her eyes, expressing profound gratitude for the exceptional care she had received. This day encapsulated the essence of compassionate nursing, made possible by a nurse who exemplifies the true calling of the profession: to care for others in their time of need, genuinely. In today's healthcare landscape, finding young nurses who possess such a heartfelt commitment to compassion and care is increasingly rare.
Since my nursing staff does not work on weekends, I reached out to a volunteer among my team, and Brandi graciously stepped forward, even on a holiday weekend. I was highly grateful for her support. When I met Brandi on Saturday, she exhibited a remarkable attitude reminiscent of Florence Nightingale; she was genuinely eager to help the patient. After setting everything up, we went to retrieve the patient from the registration desk, using a wheelchair due to her weakness. Not only was it Saturday, but we also decided to move upstairs to a floor that offered more support. Brandi volunteered to work on a holiday weekend in an unfamiliar environment, yet she approached the situation with a selfless spirit. Her compassion was terrific, and the real impact was evident in the patient's feelings.
Having previously been in infusion, the patient was aware that weekend services were limited. Brandi could have arrived feeling frustrated by the circumstances; however, her positive attitude made all the difference. Unlike nurses who may only fulfill their duties without engagement, Brandi greeted the patient with warmth, compassion, and genuine care. The patient's relief was visible on her face. The patient was understandably anxious about the IV insertion due to her history of problematic veins, but Brandi took her time and completed the IV on the first attempt. The treatment extended into the afternoon, during which Brandi remained engaged, comforting the patient by discussing her family. Once the blood transfusion was complete, the patient looked at Brandi, tears in her eyes, expressing profound gratitude for the exceptional care she had received. This day encapsulated the essence of compassionate nursing, made possible by a nurse who exemplifies the true calling of the profession: to care for others in their time of need, genuinely. In today's healthcare landscape, finding young nurses who possess such a heartfelt commitment to compassion and care is increasingly rare.