Lukas Pfitzinger
July 2025
Lukas
Pfitzinger
,
RN
Surgical Intensive Care
University of Missouri Health Care
Columbia
,
MO
United States
Even after the honor walk, Luke stayed after his shift to comfort the family.
Luke always goes above and beyond in taking care of his patients, but also in ensuring that each and every patient is well cared for in the unit. Luke recently was able to care for a mother and a son, who were in an MVC, which resulted in the father passing away, and the son being an organ donor. Luke assured not only the mom but also the entire family throughout the process. He allowed the family to record the son's heart rate, made a physical copy of the heart rate rhythm, and ensured every family member could say their final goodbyes. Luke helped plan the honor walk, ensuring everything went smoothly for the patient, his family, and the organ recipients. Even after the honor walk, Luke stayed after his shift to comfort the family. Luke continued to care for the mom and family while still in SI for a couple of days after the honor walk. He even ordered cookies for the patients' young siblings. Luke continues to go above and beyond each day he comes to work, providing exceptional care, much of which goes unnoticed by others. This is just one example of the extraordinary nurse that Luke is.