April 2013
Carol
Strunk
,
BSN
9D Cardiothorasic
UPMC Presbyterian
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Compassion, dedication and devotion to nursing are truly something every nurse should strive for. Carol's patient, who fought so very hard to heal, had a decline in his condition which required her to call a condition. Because of his multiple issues this was the second condition that she had to call on him in a weeks time with a transfer to the ICU each time. For a nurse, I know that this had to be a personal struggle for her being under her care, without any fault of her own, this patient's condition deteriorated twice, despite the fact both physically and mentally, she continued to provide extraordinary care.

Throughout the code she was extremely composed providing information to the code team without hesitation. Before, during and after the code I was impressed in how she comforted and appropriately updated and informed the patient's family. I overheard members of the code team commenting on how she had been the nurse who coded the patient the week before and how impressed they were with the care she provided. Despite a difficult situation, the fact that she was amazing caring and compassionate nurse was evident to all present.

Carol makes a difference in the lives of her patients, it is so evident that you see a patients face light up when they hear she will be taking care of them for the day. Care is the face of compassionate life changing medicine.