December 2012
Erin
Peterson
,
RN
OBC
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Portland
,
OR
United States

 

 

 

Erin Peterson was caring for a long term paraplegic who was nearing hospital Day 60. After 2 unsuccessful skin grafts the patient was very distraught and upset. All day Erin advocated to the physicians to allow the patient to sit in a chair (her wound was on her buttocks) to allow her to go outside in our garden. No response was ever received. At dinnertime Erin approached me as charge RN and asked if there were any issues with taking the patient in the bed out to the garden. I was supportive of it. Erin moved the patient in the bed out to the garden and had dinner with her. The patient was so happy she cried.

Erin defines herself as a compassionate, empathetic, caring nurse and individual. I believe this is a high standard set by Erin. Legacy should be very proud of her selfless actions.