Cassie and Kate are Emergency Department nurses. This summer Cassie and Kate cared for a patient who was emergently flown to our hospital. The patient was in her teens and a camp counselor in the north woods for the summer. The patient was from Scotland and her parents were visiting in another country, they were in Spain, she had no family in the United States. The patient's condition was life-threatening. Dr. G, the notorious neurosurgeon was awaiting her arrival in the Emergency Department to take her immediately to the OR to evacuate blood in her brain.
On the arrival to the ED, Cassie and Kate worked together as a team to provide high-quality care to efficiently get her off to the OR. The next day Cassie and Kate arranged balloons, flowers, and a figurine, along with a card to wish this patient well. They shared with me that they wanted her to wake up with balloons and flowers at her bedside. I was so impressed with their story and their wanting to do more for this patient. That day both came into work and visited the patient in the ICU. The patient, to their surprise, was extubated and talking. They wished her well and spent time visiting with her. Kate and Cassie both wanted her to feel welcome and comfortable in a new environment, they wanted to brighten the situation the best they could, especially in the circumstance of being a complete stranger in another country.
Kate and Cassie have left a lasting impression on the compassionate care they deliver not only for this patient, but also for our organization. I feel privileged and honored to be the leader of these caring and compassionate nurses.