I want to inform you about the excellent care provided to one of my patients by Sommer Menas, RN, in the medical intensive care unit. I had to do a thoracentesis on a Veteran admitted to the regular medical floor. The patient was somewhat aggressive and perhaps a little apprehensive about his ongoing complex medical issues. We brought the patient to the MICU to perform the procedure under a controlled situation. First, Sommer volunteered to help with the procedure even though she was already busy with her own patient. She helped me throughout the procedure. But she was more than my helper for the procedure. How she handled the situation in the room with the patient was simply a marvelous example of true compassion and the highest degree of critical thinking. She immediately sensed that the patient was fidgety, and he may have a suboptimal procedure if he remains agitated. She engaged him in a very pleasant and intelligent conversation, which had an immediate calming effect on the patient. He relaxed, immediately became more cooperative, and we had a seamless procedure. Indeed. The patient himself was very thankful to her for her help. This type of nursing care is difficult to find. I am 100% certain that I would have had problems with the procedure had she not anticipated the situation and taken charge. In my entire medical career, I can recall only a very few instances where a health care worker sensed the need to do something like what she did for the patient’s well-being. Her approach to calm him down was extremely impressive. She provided excellent care to the Veteran, to say the least. I cannot thank her enough. Her care, excellence, and compassion must be recognized. I do not know the process, but she should be considered for the DAISY Award in the future. It was truly a different experience. Piece by piece, she played a very positive mental game with the patient. It even relaxed me.
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Sommer was also nominated by a patient who shared his gratitude: Very sympathetic to my pain and did all she could to make sure my pain was managed, and my fluids were changed. Still checks on me when she sees me at the VA. Excellent at their job, always putting patients first. She had many other patients, but constantly kept up with my needs. She worked well with other team members to make sure they were aware of any special needs. Kind and thoughtful at all times. Sommer was thoughtful in taking care of me and everyone else. She was very skillful in dealing with my catheter and urine output.