When her patient's health continued to deteriorate, Heidi Graski says she knew that something wasn't right. Earlier that month, a transitional care patient with extensive health care issues was admitted to the hospital in Bloomer. Heidi was faced with a complex and difficult care procedure for this patient. Although initially it appeared that the patient was healing and gaining back strength, after a month, the patient's health began to decline. Heidi took initiative to voice her concerns to the patient's physician and continued to monitor the patient. Ultimately, it was decided that the patient would be taken to Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus to receive additional care.
During this time, Heidi was training a new nurse. The nurse observed how she demonstrated commitment — even when faced with a difficult case.
Heidi continues to go the extra mile to ensure that patients' needs are met. Her care exemplifies the positive results of going with your gut. She took that feeling a step further to include intense care and compassion that depicts a truly exceptional nurse.
"Nursing is an ongoing journey of learning, honor and being able to care for people when they are at their weakest moments. I love being a nurse — even if it means making the smallest difference in the lives of my patients", Heidi says.