Shanda Bridges
August 2025
Shanda
Bridges
,
RN
Neuro Intensive Care Unit
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville
,
TN
United States
But what truly set Shanda apart was the way she supported my mother through this difficult time. My mom told me over and over how much she trusted Shanda. How, in her presence, she knew my dad was in good hands.
Shanda is more than just a nurse-she is a guardian of comfort, dignity, and compassion. From the moment she began caring for my father, she didn't just follow the chart; she saw him. She recognized his needs, even the ones he couldn't express, and in doing so, she gave my mother something invaluable-peace of mind. My father lost his ability to speak due to aphasia, but that never stopped Shanda from communicating with him in ways that went beyond words. She spoke to him gently, calling him "friend" and "buddy" in a calming tone. She got close when speaking to him, ensuring he understood before ever turning to us for clarification. She noticed the small things-checking his bedding to make sure he was comfortable, swabbing and moisturizing his lips and nostrils, and making sure he was turned regularly. These weren't just tasks to her; they were acts of care that showed how deeply she valued his dignity and well-being. But what truly set Shanda apart was the way she supported my mother through this difficult time. My mom told me over and over how much she trusted Shanda. How, in her presence, she knew my dad was in good hands. Shanda didn't just care for my father; she cared for our whole family. She saw how much my mom wanted to understand what he was going through so she could support him better, and she went above and beyond-offering a book that could help her navigate this journey. She reassured us, valued our input, and made us feel like partners in his care, not just bystanders. Shanda is the kind of nurse who changes lives-not just through her skill, but through her heart. She made an unbearable situation just a little more bearable by giving us confidence, comfort, and the knowledge that my father was truly seen and cared for. Our family will forever be grateful for her.