Rilla has the ability to meet patients and families where they are at emotionally, physically and mentally. She recently shined when she was caring for a patient and family who have faced many challenges while hospitalized. This particular family has struggled with feeling inequity through many aspects of their life, including their stay at Seattle Children's Hospital. This has resulted in many difficult conversations between family, staff, and leadership. This has led to some anxiety among staff as they are unsure if they can meet the needs of this family and their specific requests for care.
Rilla came to work recently and volunteered to care for this particular patient and family, even though she was not assigned to their care that day. During her shift, she individualized the care that was requested by the patient and family to help them feel supported and safe throughout their shift. The patient's mother was complimentary on how Rilla went above and beyond, even taking time out of her busy day to cut the patient's fingernails. The family spoke to her compassion, ability to communicate effectively and adaptability. The grandmother commented, "It is apparent that Rilla loves her job because she goes above and beyond to care for her patients and she does it with a smile on her face and a positive outlook on the day." At the end of the day, the family taped a thank you letter to the patient's hospital door to thank Rilla for her excellent care.
Rilla - from one nurse to another, thank you for your compassion, humor, flexibility, and willingness to take on a challenging patient scenario and make a lasting impression on a patient and family. Your care made all the difference to this family, and days later they continue to talk about their appreciation for you!