August 2017
Andrew
DePaul
,
BSN, RN
Progressive Care Unit
Kootenai Health
Coeur d’Alene
,
ID
United States
Andrew was G's nurse on 3 South, after a pneumonectomy, complicated by ongoing afib. This medical event was scary and extremely stressful for the patient and his wife, as well as for our family and many friends.
Our nomination of Andrew expresses our opinion that his careful attention prevented "situations" from arising. Throughout G's 3 South stay, Andrew spent considerable time in the room explaining details of monitor readings and medications G was receiving. When G was in afib, he walked his wife through interpretation of heart monitors in the hall. Each time he entered the room, Andrew explained what he was giving G or what he was there to check. Each morning he outlined what to expect that day ... visits from the PT and OT therapists, removal of G's epidural, visits from the attending Cardiologist. Our list of superlatives for Andrew's care include compassionate, committed, sensitive, positive, reassuring, and informative. He carefully listened to our requests, questions, and concerns and responded to them promptly.
While keeping us informed of the details of G's condition and care plan, Andrew expertly communicated to us reasons why plans changed. For example, during a shower one morning, Andrew was with G during a near-fainting event, and G remained unstable for a number of hours. Walking and PT prescribed by Dr. B wasn't possible. Andrew assured us this setback was temporary, that physicians and PT were aware of what happened, and that the recovery program was intact. He similarly responded and communicated promptly to us and to G's physicians each time his heart rhythm went back into afib. And he always delivered care with a smile, a kind pat, a hug.
Andrew was genuinely extraordinary. For four consecutive days, G was the beneficiary of Andrew's attention, expertise, and sensitivity that helped him gain the strength and confidence needed to return home. Andrew also gently reassured his wife through her worried tears and kept her informed over the long, tiring days at G's bedside. We told Andrew repeatedly that he was caring for two patients!
G continues to recover well at home, and we continue to be grateful for his outstanding experience as a Kootenai Health patient. As we reflect on G's surgery and his health moving forward, our thoughts and hearts turn first to Andrew. He is truly deserving of our gratitude.
Our nomination of Andrew expresses our opinion that his careful attention prevented "situations" from arising. Throughout G's 3 South stay, Andrew spent considerable time in the room explaining details of monitor readings and medications G was receiving. When G was in afib, he walked his wife through interpretation of heart monitors in the hall. Each time he entered the room, Andrew explained what he was giving G or what he was there to check. Each morning he outlined what to expect that day ... visits from the PT and OT therapists, removal of G's epidural, visits from the attending Cardiologist. Our list of superlatives for Andrew's care include compassionate, committed, sensitive, positive, reassuring, and informative. He carefully listened to our requests, questions, and concerns and responded to them promptly.
While keeping us informed of the details of G's condition and care plan, Andrew expertly communicated to us reasons why plans changed. For example, during a shower one morning, Andrew was with G during a near-fainting event, and G remained unstable for a number of hours. Walking and PT prescribed by Dr. B wasn't possible. Andrew assured us this setback was temporary, that physicians and PT were aware of what happened, and that the recovery program was intact. He similarly responded and communicated promptly to us and to G's physicians each time his heart rhythm went back into afib. And he always delivered care with a smile, a kind pat, a hug.
Andrew was genuinely extraordinary. For four consecutive days, G was the beneficiary of Andrew's attention, expertise, and sensitivity that helped him gain the strength and confidence needed to return home. Andrew also gently reassured his wife through her worried tears and kept her informed over the long, tiring days at G's bedside. We told Andrew repeatedly that he was caring for two patients!
G continues to recover well at home, and we continue to be grateful for his outstanding experience as a Kootenai Health patient. As we reflect on G's surgery and his health moving forward, our thoughts and hearts turn first to Andrew. He is truly deserving of our gratitude.