July 2021
Erica
Sickler
,
RN
Emergency Department
Shore Medical Center
Somers Point
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

Erica views every patient as an individual who deserves respect and dignity.
Empathetic Disposition: Erica adds a humane touch with her kindhearted attitude. This is instrumental in improving patient outcomes to a great extent. Eric has empathy for all patients and can be compassionate to provide comfort. The most important character trait in a nurse is a caring heart. Being organized to multitask can be learned and practiced, but truly caring about people and being able to empathize with them runs deeper. Being able to sit bedside with a mother and father who just lost their child and just be still knowing that just Erica’s presence is all that they need at that moment. Erica meets patients on their level, where they are, is often what our patients comment on. Sometimes we meet patients at their weakest and most scared moments of their lives, this is where Eric shines. Erica is consistently able to be caring and compassionate and provide the best possible care.

High Standards of Professionalism: Erica is consistently professional in her approach toward her work, whether it is introducing herself, caring for her patients, administering medication, or maintaining excellent documentation. Erica continually provides all of this in a professional manner each day. As a nurse, Erica deals with patients coming from different age groups, genders, races, communities, and socioeconomic backgrounds working at Shore Medical Center (SMC) Emergency Department (ED). Erica makes no assumptions or generalizations about a patient’s appearance but instead focuses on the illness, injury, or reason for their presentation to the ED. Erica views every patient as an individual who deserves respect and dignity. Even the extremely difficult patient, Erica sets ground rules and does not allow the experience to impact her day.

Exceptional Communication Skills: one of the most critical traits to be good in any field is outstanding communication skills. This applies to nurses like Erica. Erica’s communication skills are excellent mostly because Erica listens to her patients and considers where the patient is emotionally and sometimes spiritually. Erica also has exceptionally clear speaking skills. Erica problem solves effectively because her communication skills are amazing. Erica understands her patients’ issues and their troubles perfectly well before administering medication. Erica can anticipate needs and issues from the outset of her patients’ care because she has effectively listened “to the story”.

Never-Ending Diligence: Erica is extremely hard working, which is why diligence is an important attribute Erica possesses. Often Erica works over her 12-hour shift just to make sure the patient and next RN are well communicated to and know the plan of care. Erica is that exceptional nurse. Erica works long hours and in the last few months has worked even harder incorporating self-care into her day by exercising before every shift to maintain great self-care to ensure she is energized to give her patients the care they deserve.

Effective Interpersonal Skills: apart from excellent communication skills, Erica has remarkable interpersonal skills. After all, an effective ED RN is the link between physicians and patients. Erica works well with all the physicians, nurses, and technicians, Erica can strike the right balance between physicians’ and patients’ needs.

Attention to Detail: where it is reading and understanding a patient's chart or memorizing the details of a case, Erica takes nothing for granted. In the ED, Erica monitors vitals closely and again listens to her patients especially when they are exhibiting changes in condition. In the ED, strong attention to detail is one quality that can make the difference between life and death. Erica has a strong sense to always listen for the details. Quick problem-solving ability and organization are the abilities to mitigate problems quickly and are must-have qualities in a great ED Nurse. On countless occasions, Erica anticipates and addresses problems before they arise. You never know when a tricky situation will arrive at the same time as dealing with an emergency or trauma case. Erica is always prepared to care for the priority patient in the ED. Erica is always prepared with solutions, whether it is speaking to the patient’s families, comforting patients, or communicating with the physicians, other RNs, and technicians. Erica understands the importance of responding promptly to emergencies and sudden incidences and is prepared for all sorts of surprises keeping herself composed and always exhibits a calm attitude. Finding humor in difficult situations isn’t easy. Erica can find humor in the right situation to mitigate stressful situations better. It is perfectly ok to mix the elements of fun and humor in our work to be able to enjoy it better. Erica quietly adds humor to a day that subtly puts a smile on everyone’s face. Getting through an epidemic has been difficult, however, this combination of fun and humor keeps all of us going!