Carolyn has been a nurse for the past four years in the PICU. Recently Carolyn admitted a six year old girl, J, to the PICU. This little girl had lethal cardiac arrhythmias and was placed on ECMO. Carolyn was J's primary nurse during a very rough three weeks on ECMO. She developed a very strong bond with J's parents, siblings and extended family. It was Carolyn's excellent nursing care, support and trust that got this family through the most difficult of times. When doing my leader rounding with J's parents, they would tell me how supportive and comforting Carolyn was to them and how fortunate they were to have such an excellent nurse take care of their daughter. As time passed, J's cardiac function got better and she was taken off ECMO with a long recovery ahead. During her stay in the PICU, J was going to be celebrating her seventh birthday. Carolyn knew what a grand celebration this birthday was to J and her family. Carolyn planned a "Frozen Theme" (J's favorite) seventh birthday party. There were Frozen decorations, Frozen cupcakes and plenty of Frozen themed gifts, all bought and given by Carolyn. I had tears in my eyes when we sang Happy Birthday to J and helped her open her gifts. The excitement, enthusiasm and encouragement that Carolyn brought to this little girl, her parents and their family was such a heartfelt amazing experience. Carolyn was invited and did attend a party given for J's homecoming. J is now able to attend school and continues to recover. J's parents are forever grateful to Carolyn whom they now consider a member of their family. Carolyn's continuous compassion, commitment, and encouragement to J and her family is why she is a true DAISY Nurse.
Carolyn has been a staff nurse in the PICU for the past four years and excels professionally and clinically. She is a strong patient advocate and provides excellent nursing care to the pediatric patient and their family. Carolyn is frequently mentioned by our patients and their families for her excellent nursing care, support and trust, especially in life threatening situations. Carolyn demonstrates strong leadership in the PICU. Besides being a strong charge nurse and mentor to our newer nurses, Carolyn serves on the SPS CLABSI Committee and is the co-chair on the PICU Unit Council. Carolyn consistently models our Behaviors of Excellence and will hold others accountable as well. She always strives to do her best and is always up for a challenge. Carolyn is recognized and respected by her peers, management and our attending physicians. The PICU is very proud of Carolyn's hard work and accomplishments not only as a professional nurse but as a person who leads a life of compassion and respect to all those that she serves.