January 2013
Julie
Harrell
,
RN, Charge Nurse
Surgical Specialties
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Vancouver
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

A few weeks ago we had a code blue on our unit right before the change of shift. As nurses, we know the amount of team work it takes and the amount of people needed to get everything done. It's never a good time to have a patient code, but change of shift complicates this. Julie heard the code blue overhead and instead of heading home, she came over to the neighboring unit to see if there was anything she could do to help. Upon arrival to our unit, she found the patient's wife standing in the hallway. Julie took it upon herself to find a chair so the wife could sit down. Julie then remained at the wife's side, comforting her throughout the entire code and did not leave.

Julie showed true compassion that day and went above and beyond what was expected of her. When the code was announced overhead, she thought only of her fellow coworkers on another unit and came to our aide. She was there for the patient's wife when she needed it the most and provided comfort during an emotional time. Julie is an excellent example of what a kind and compassionate nurse should be and is a great asset for Legacy.