Tamala Ochoa
April 2019
Tamala
Ochoa
,
RN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Glendale
,
AZ
United States
Tamala wanted to make sure he was not alone and that he felt loved. She had music playing in the background and made a comfortable environment.
Tamala Ochoa is a hardworking and caring nurse who pours her heart and soul into her patients and families. She strives to improve the unit while conjugating friendships among her colleagues.
I once took care of a patient who had been on our unit for a while. I asked her who her favorite nurse was. The patient quickly replied, "Wonder Woman!" I asked the family who Wonder Woman was, and they replied "Tamala! She loves Tamala, because she was so sweet and helpful, but also because she looks like Wonder Woman." I smiled and said, "Yes, she does look like Wonder Woman. And she has some pretty amazing superpowers!"
Another time, Tamala and her family purchased a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her patient she had on Mother's Day. The child was in extremely critical condition. The family was truly thankful and touched!
There are so many selfless stories I can share about how great Tamala is to others. She never seeks any accolades. Her compassion radiates to those around her, and she graciously works with a smile on her face.
The one story that stands out above the rest was just recently. Tamala took care of a child who was eventually pronounced brain dead. The family had asked for some time before any equipment was moved from the patient, and he was taken off "Life Support." After their request was fulfilled, and the time came to withdrawal support, Tamala made phone calls to the family to ask if anyone would be present with the patient during the withdrawal. When Tamala found out that not one family member would be present with this child, she started to make more phone calls. She asked the Chaplain, Social Worker, Pediatric Intensivist, and other staff members that assisted the patient and his family that were working that day to come for a moment of silence. Tamala wanted to make sure he was not alone and that he felt loved. She had music playing in the background and made a comfortable environment. She played a key role in making this a peaceful and memorable moment.
Tamala treats all her patients like they were her own children. She lovingly attends to all their needs and is a great resource for families. She is an amazing nurse who, I believe, needs a little attention just to show we see all her great acts of kindness. Even when she thinks no one is paying attention to her humble deeds.
I once took care of a patient who had been on our unit for a while. I asked her who her favorite nurse was. The patient quickly replied, "Wonder Woman!" I asked the family who Wonder Woman was, and they replied "Tamala! She loves Tamala, because she was so sweet and helpful, but also because she looks like Wonder Woman." I smiled and said, "Yes, she does look like Wonder Woman. And she has some pretty amazing superpowers!"
Another time, Tamala and her family purchased a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her patient she had on Mother's Day. The child was in extremely critical condition. The family was truly thankful and touched!
There are so many selfless stories I can share about how great Tamala is to others. She never seeks any accolades. Her compassion radiates to those around her, and she graciously works with a smile on her face.
The one story that stands out above the rest was just recently. Tamala took care of a child who was eventually pronounced brain dead. The family had asked for some time before any equipment was moved from the patient, and he was taken off "Life Support." After their request was fulfilled, and the time came to withdrawal support, Tamala made phone calls to the family to ask if anyone would be present with the patient during the withdrawal. When Tamala found out that not one family member would be present with this child, she started to make more phone calls. She asked the Chaplain, Social Worker, Pediatric Intensivist, and other staff members that assisted the patient and his family that were working that day to come for a moment of silence. Tamala wanted to make sure he was not alone and that he felt loved. She had music playing in the background and made a comfortable environment. She played a key role in making this a peaceful and memorable moment.
Tamala treats all her patients like they were her own children. She lovingly attends to all their needs and is a great resource for families. She is an amazing nurse who, I believe, needs a little attention just to show we see all her great acts of kindness. Even when she thinks no one is paying attention to her humble deeds.