Gracie
Hertel
,
BSN, RN, PCCN
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we recognize Gracie and Sammie for the extraordinary care they provided to our beloved grandma during her hospital stay.
From the very beginning, Gracie and Sammie showed us what nursing truly means. Over the course of three days, they did far more than care for a patient—they cared for our family. They treated our grandma with a level of compassion, dignity, and attentiveness that made her feel safe, respected, and genuinely loved.
What stood out most were the small, intentional acts of kindness that made such a big difference. They never rushed into the room or startled her awake. Instead, they gently woke her for medications and vital checks, preserving her comfort and dignity. They spoke to her in a calm, kind, and thoughtful way, always making sure she understood and felt included in her care. These moments may seem small, but to our family, they meant everything.
Gracie and Sammie were also relentless advocates for our grandma. They consistently collaborated with the entire care team, reaching out to doctors, respiratory therapy, nutrition, physical therapy, and dietary services to ensure she was progressing and gaining strength each day. Their teamwork and dedication were evident in every aspect of her care.
One of the most impactful moments was when they advocated for her to remain in the hospital longer, despite plans for discharge. Because of their persistence and attentiveness, important information was uncovered—news that had been missed for nearly a year. Their willingness to speak up and push for what was best for her made a profound difference in her health journey.
Despite how busy the unit may have been, they always made us feel like Grandma was their top priority. They responded to her call light with urgency and compassion, never making her feel like just another patient. As a family, we were consistently updated with calmness, clarity, and reassurance, which gave us immense peace of mind during a stressful time.
When it came time for discharge, their care did not stop. They took extra time to thoroughly prepare us, highlighting important information, writing thoughtful notes, and organizing a comprehensive packet so we could confidently navigate the next phase of her care. It was clear they wanted to set both Grandma and our family up for success beyond the hospital.
To this day, Grandma still speaks about the incredible care she received from Gracie and Sammie. The impact they made on her life—and ours—will never be forgotten.
Gracie and Sammie embody everything the nursing profession stands for. Their compassion, advocacy, attention to detail, and genuine humanity make them true inspirations of what nursing should be. We are beyond grateful for the care they provided and wholeheartedly believe they deserve this recognition.