Teresa Walter-Whitesel
October 2025
Teresa
Walter-Whitesel
,
RN
Critical Care
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
Lewisburg
,
PA
United States
Teresa not only heard his concerns but acted on them.
Teresa is the type of nurse who makes every patient feel seen, validated, and supported. She fiercely advocates for those that she cares for, and she does it with a smile on her face. It is rare to ever see Teresa sitting because she takes every opportunity to make her patients' days better, whether that is going for laps around the hall, talking about something that brings joy to the patient, or listening to their concerns and then following through with them.
Most recently, there was a patient who was not only frustrated but also defeated by the medical team not addressing his concern for an ongoing blister/ callus on his toe. This disgruntled, older man was to the point where he was threatening other staff members to leave AMA. To set the scene, the patient came into the hospital feeling unwell and was diagnosed with a UTI that led to bacteremia. He shared with multiple providers that his toe had an area that kept opening up and was sore, but each time it was dismissed; this happened with 3 different providers. Luckily for this gentleman, he got Teresa as his nurse.
Teresa not only heard his concerns but acted on them. She performed her own assessment of his toe and then consulted the Wound Nurse. It was found that his toe had Osteomyelitis at that site, and this was the real reason for his infection. He ended up receiving a toe amputation and is on his way to recovery. One small act by Teresa made the largest difference in this man's life. Not only did she help him in this acute phase, but she also restored his faith in the medical field. Her keen assessment skills and advocacy are not limited to this one incident. This is the type of difference that she makes for all patients, each day. It is not only wonderful to work alongside her in this profession, but also an honor. She is extraordinary and has recently started training new staff members who are just entering the field of nursing. It has been wonderful watching her share her knowledge with them, as they also learn through observation, her compassion, and love for patient care.
***
Teresa is an outstanding nurse. Her professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail, and caring attitude were impressive. She exceeded my expectations. Her desire to make sure I was comfortable was impressive, as I was recovering from a heart attack. Teresa thoroughly covered my discharge information. Well done!
Most recently, there was a patient who was not only frustrated but also defeated by the medical team not addressing his concern for an ongoing blister/ callus on his toe. This disgruntled, older man was to the point where he was threatening other staff members to leave AMA. To set the scene, the patient came into the hospital feeling unwell and was diagnosed with a UTI that led to bacteremia. He shared with multiple providers that his toe had an area that kept opening up and was sore, but each time it was dismissed; this happened with 3 different providers. Luckily for this gentleman, he got Teresa as his nurse.
Teresa not only heard his concerns but acted on them. She performed her own assessment of his toe and then consulted the Wound Nurse. It was found that his toe had Osteomyelitis at that site, and this was the real reason for his infection. He ended up receiving a toe amputation and is on his way to recovery. One small act by Teresa made the largest difference in this man's life. Not only did she help him in this acute phase, but she also restored his faith in the medical field. Her keen assessment skills and advocacy are not limited to this one incident. This is the type of difference that she makes for all patients, each day. It is not only wonderful to work alongside her in this profession, but also an honor. She is extraordinary and has recently started training new staff members who are just entering the field of nursing. It has been wonderful watching her share her knowledge with them, as they also learn through observation, her compassion, and love for patient care.
***
Teresa is an outstanding nurse. Her professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail, and caring attitude were impressive. She exceeded my expectations. Her desire to make sure I was comfortable was impressive, as I was recovering from a heart attack. Teresa thoroughly covered my discharge information. Well done!