Should you ever find yourself in a position of needing health care, my hope is you have a nurse this Kaitlyn Ruechel! Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, but goes above and beyond in providing care for her patients. She was present when my husband suffered a ruptured aorta aneurysm. Because of her quick reaction/response, my husband was able to make it to surgery and survived! For the next 60+ days, my husband was in ICU with numerous health issues and was heavily sedated/paralyzed for 2+ weeks. Kaitlyn provided compassionate care for his needs that I wasn't even aware he needed. 

She would come up with ways to keep him comfortable and not allow him to be too stationary so that it would not cause further issues. The most notable occasion was after coming out of his "deep sleep" and needing to start moving. Her motivation and determination to get him up and moving even when he didn't want to. I will be forever grateful for her drive and how she responded to him. She didn't give up even when therapists said he wouldn't walk again and be mobile, she made sure that he did! During the entire time of his stay in the ICU, I knew when this nurse was his nurse, he was taken care of and I felt comfortable leaving him in her care. 

She would call me and update me as to how he was doing, what his stats were, if he was comfortable, and even if he was having a rough time. This nurse exemplifies what an excellent nurse should be! From her knowledge and compassion, and truly cared about not only for my husband but me as well! She truly is an excellent nurse and person, and to me, very deserving of this award!”