Karrie Gibbons
June 2021
Karrie
Gibbons
,
RN
Acute Care/Bariatric
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
Toledo
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

When my mom passed, Karrie stayed with us. Her presence was welcomed and comforting.
My mom was on the 5th floor on Christmas Eve; it was for the end of life care. She had been in SICU for a week before being transferred to the 5th floor. She had good nursing care the entire stay. Karrie was a standout. She first introduced herself and asked our names, myself and two brothers. She did not forget our names. She was ‘Johnny on the spot’ for all her healthcare needs. She did so with a huge amount of compassion and empathy. 30 minutes after she transferred, she had my mom cleaned up and the bed linen changed or replaced. She did little extra things. She was the first to dab water on my mother’s tongue and put Chapstick on her lips; they were so dry. My mom’s brain was so damaged and most likely did not notice, but it bothered us, and Karrie noticed. She also made contact twice with palliative care to assure my brothers' questions/concerns were addressed. When my mom passed, Karrie stayed with us. Her presence was welcomed and comforting. She then printed my mom's last EKG heartbeat and gave it to my brother. We will use it for artwork. She deserves recognition for her exceptional service as a nurse and her kindness as a person. We are grateful she was my mom's last nurse.