Karen
Rispoli
March 2013
Karen
Rispoli
,
RN
Adult Day Care Center, Monroe
Saint Peter's University Hospital
New Brunswick
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

Karen has always gone above and beyond for the residents in the Adult Communities, but her actions during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy were exemplary.

Due to the fact that there was no electricity or heat in the community for over a week, many residents convened in the clubhouse across the street from the Healthcare Center. Karen took the initiative to pack up the equipment and move her "office" across the street so she would be available to the residents. She checked on everyone in the clubhouse to be sure they were alright. She also checked in on her homebound residents, ordering hot meals from the Red Cross and delivering them after her shift. Many of these residents live alone and have little or no family which literally made this nurse their lifeline.

After a full day working in the community Karen went to the local shelter in the municipal building to see what services were available so she could share the information with her residents. When she noticed several of her residents were staying in the shelter she made a point to check on them daily until they were able to return home. All of this was done while she herself was living in a house with no electricity, heat, or water.

Karen is a wonderful role model whether it is offering to cover a shift or helping a resident, she is always the first to help and always with a warm smile and loving heart.