Heather Iademarco
August 2019
Heather
Iademarco
,
BSN, RN
Telemetry
Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital
West Chester
,
PA
United States
Heather is an exemplary nurse and in her 10+ years in nursing, I have seen her provide compassionate nursing care to countless patients. Heather possesses excellent clinical skills and works with a great sense of humor and smile.
Recently, Heather cared for a particular patient on who she developed a strong rapport with through their mutual love of softball and their shared sense of humor. It was easy to see that the patient enjoyed Heather's banter and Heather enjoyed his company. After giving bedside report with the next shift and the patient, an alarming situation occurred. As Heather was saying goodbye to the patient, the nurses noticed a change in his assessment and speech. Concerned the patient was having a stroke, a Code Grey was immediately called. The patient was seen by the Code Grey team and a stroke assessment was quickly performed, along with a consult to Neuro. Ultimately, the patient was flown downtown for an emergent embolectomy procedure. Heather stayed beyond her shift to stay with the patient, holding his hand and offering encouragement and support. When Heather stepped away to allow other caregivers perform their assessments, he would ask them questions thinking that Heather was still at his side. Fortunately, the procedure was largely successful and after the patient was extubated, his family told us that his first words were for his "Nurse Heather".
While recovering at rehab, Heather went to visit the patient and brought him cupcakes (he loves sweets!) and a softball, signed by the nursing staff and providers who cared for him at CCH. The patient likely had a better outcome because of Heather's bedside report, strong clinical skills and quick jump to action. However, the personal effect Heather had on the patient, and his family, is unmeasurable. The patient and family expressed to me that it meant the world to them that Heather really took the time to get to know him and enjoyed his sense of humor and love of softball. Although the experience has been frightening and difficult for the patient and his family, Heather's compassion and kindness have made their suffering a bit easier to bear. Heather is truly a caring nurse who loves people and her profession.
Recently, Heather cared for a particular patient on who she developed a strong rapport with through their mutual love of softball and their shared sense of humor. It was easy to see that the patient enjoyed Heather's banter and Heather enjoyed his company. After giving bedside report with the next shift and the patient, an alarming situation occurred. As Heather was saying goodbye to the patient, the nurses noticed a change in his assessment and speech. Concerned the patient was having a stroke, a Code Grey was immediately called. The patient was seen by the Code Grey team and a stroke assessment was quickly performed, along with a consult to Neuro. Ultimately, the patient was flown downtown for an emergent embolectomy procedure. Heather stayed beyond her shift to stay with the patient, holding his hand and offering encouragement and support. When Heather stepped away to allow other caregivers perform their assessments, he would ask them questions thinking that Heather was still at his side. Fortunately, the procedure was largely successful and after the patient was extubated, his family told us that his first words were for his "Nurse Heather".
While recovering at rehab, Heather went to visit the patient and brought him cupcakes (he loves sweets!) and a softball, signed by the nursing staff and providers who cared for him at CCH. The patient likely had a better outcome because of Heather's bedside report, strong clinical skills and quick jump to action. However, the personal effect Heather had on the patient, and his family, is unmeasurable. The patient and family expressed to me that it meant the world to them that Heather really took the time to get to know him and enjoyed his sense of humor and love of softball. Although the experience has been frightening and difficult for the patient and his family, Heather's compassion and kindness have made their suffering a bit easier to bear. Heather is truly a caring nurse who loves people and her profession.