May 2019
Susan
Schlaefer
,
RN
Visiting Nurse Association Health Group
Holmdel
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

Susan is one of my nurses that is willing to go above and beyond for her patients. She is a positive team player, rarely saying no when we need her to do something extra. And always with a smile and a positive outlook.
An example of her dedication to her patients is a young man that recently came into service. This patient was not in the usual area that Susan covers, but because he needed to be seen quickly, she stepped up to the plate when asked to see this young man immediately. After her visit she called me and discussed with me his age, the delicate area of his wound, which needed daily attention, the severity of the wound and the mother who was willing to learn but was very anxious. Susan took into account, not only this young patient but his mother as well and what would be the best for both of them. Susan offered to Case Manage him to make what they both were going through just a little easier by having continuity with her being there every day for however long it took the mother to become comfortable with the wound care. Susan did not miss a visit with this young man, and true to her word was able to establish an excellent rapport with him and his mother and give the mother the confidence she needed to perform the wound care.
Another example of how Susan has excelled is in her willingness to Mentor and teach our new nurses. We currently have one wonderful preceptor nurse but two new nurses coming onto our team. Susan was asked to fill in one day for the preceptor nurse and established a rapport with this new nurse who was experiencing some major issues with adjusting to the VNA's way of Home Health Care. Susan saw their struggles and offered to continue to Mentor this new nurse. Their rapport has grown to be a very positive experience for this new nurse. She has been able to teach documentation, interaction with patients, case management and supports the new nurse's strengths and builds on their weakness and self doubt in a very positive manner.
Susan always shows compassion in caring for her patients as well as always being there for any nurse who might have questions, doubts or struggles.
It is an honor and a pleasure to have Susan part of Team C66.