Laura Barker's clinical skill and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that your patients, their families, and your staff recognize as an outstanding role model. She consistently demonstrated a caring relationship with me as her patient.
I was admitted to Kettering Medical Center for total shoulder replacement surgery. I was on the fifth floor for recovery overnight with the plan to go home the next day. Laura was my nurse that day. She came by often to see if I needed anything, making sure that everything was going well. Sometime early afternoon, my bladder quit working and I became quite uncomfortable rather quickly. After many unsuccessful attempts to urinate, the doctor ordered a straight catheter. Laura was the one who accomplished the cath. Unfortunately, it too was unsuccessful. Laura immediately sought out the most experienced nurse on duty to come and attempt a second one. Again, no success. At this point, Laura's smile had dwindled, but not her compassion.
A urologist was consulted. Laura stayed well past her shift waiting for the urologist and assisted him with the catheter. As we waited, the smile began to grow. She assisted the urologist, so Laura could be sure I was taken care of. During the procedure, she kept my wife informed of how it was going. After the catheter was inserted and functioning, Laura's smile was back, infecting all of us. I don't know how long Laura stayed finishing up her paperwork so she could go home but she did stop by one last time to check on me and say goodbye.
I sincerely appreciate all the nurses I met at KMC, and the work they do for their patients. Laura is one of those that is at the top when it comes to professionalism and compassion. She is well deserving of the DAISY Award.