€œI would like to give Gia Kennedy of Tacoma General Hospital PCU the highest commendation for taking care of this difficult patient and family. I was her student nurse, and Gia and I had this patient 90% of the time I was there. I was exhausted, but let me tell you about Gia.

Gia spent hours not only monitoring vital signs and administering medication, but also talking with the family, offering words of comfort, addressing their concerns, and building a fragile bridge of trust that would be essential to their healing process. The days blended into a rhythm of vigilant observation, careful intervention, and patient reassurance. She learned about their family history and dynamics, their struggles, and their dreams. She came to understand that their skepticism wasn't rooted in malice, but in a deep-seated fear born of past negative experiences with the healthcare system.
It wasn't just about fixing the patient's sick body; it was about mending a fractured family, about restoring hope in a system that had let them down before. And Gia, with her unwavering dedication and empathetic heart, was determined to do just that. This wasn't merely a medical challenge; it was a human story, and Gia, a seasoned nurse with a compassionate heart and a storyteller's eye, was writing its next chapter.

"Building rapport takes time and patience," she stressed. "It's not a race. And it's okay to acknowledge their feelings. You can say, 'I understand that you're feeling anxious,' or 'I hear your frustration.' It doesn't diminish your professionalism; it humanizes the interaction. €œRemember, nurses aren't just caregivers," She continued, emphasizing the point. "We're also advocates, communicators, and, sometimes, even therapists. We're building bridges between families, doctors, and patients, creating a safe haven where recovery can flourish."€� It's a challenge. There are times when the pressure is immense, and you're juggling multiple patients with diverse needs. But the principle remains the same; even small acts of empathy, active listening, and clear communication can make a difference. You don't always have time for lengthy conversations, but you can always make eye contact, listen actively, and communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully. She emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals. "€œNot every family will respond the same way, and that's okay. The goal is not always to completely resolve family conflicts, but rather to facilitate communication, build trust, and create a supportive environment for healing. Even small progress is a victory."

Gia shared examples of how she involved the family in the patient's care, empowering them to participate in his treatment plan and to take an active role in his recovery. She spoke about the positive impact of a quiet and peaceful environment, getting the family involved during meals, and ADLs. These simple acts not only will improve the patient's physical health but will also foster a deeper sense of family unity. "Remember," she concluded, looking at me with warmth, "every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. Every conversation, every gesture, every bit of kindness adds up. And sometimes, the most powerful tools we have are empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen."

She recounted the initial resistance from the family, their justified mistrust stemming from past negative experiences. She didn'€™t shy away from the challenges; instead, she highlighted them, emphasizing the importance of patience, active listening, and unwavering respect. She explained how she'd painstakingly built rapport, focusing on small gestures, €"a gentle touch, a concerned inquiry about a family photograph, a genuine smile" to convey her sincere interest in their well-being beyond the patient'€™s medical condition. She spoke of recognizing and validating their emotions, acknowledging their fears, and allowing them space to grieve and express their concerns without judgment.

Gia's core message on empathy, holistic care, and patient-family centered approach stood out, inspiring me to focus on human connection as much as on medical expertise. My quiet understanding highlighted the significance of Gia's mentorship, leaving a lasting impression on my professional journey.
I will never forget Gia; my time with her has shaped me to love nursing more and aspire to be a great nurse like her. She really has made a difference to that patient and family. I never saw her looking exhausted from the never-ending bed changes and bed baths. She was the only nurse who showered the patient in the bathroom.

She was always the family's first pick. She was the only one who could speak to the family without judgment. This nomination is the only thing I can give back to her for everything that she has done for me, the patient, and the hospital.