My 92-year-old mother, happens to be a patient of Sharon's. Sharon's weekly visits are prized events at my mom's house. Sharon exudes a warmth, sincerity, and playfulness that even a bedbound, dementia-ridden patient can readily appreciate and enjoy. With her gentle, capable hands and winsomely steady demeanor, Sharon has developed such a special rapport with Mom that we hardly hear a peep from the dear patient when it's time for her routine physical exam and catheter changing. This is particularly noteworthy, considering that Mom naturally resists being touched when rotated in awkward positions. Notwithstanding her advanced dementia, Mom is still intuitive enough to judge whom she can trust. Sharon passes the test with flying colors. Mom never turns down the opportunity to firmly plant a kiss on Sharon's cheek at the end of each visit.
Sharon excels as a skilled, inquisitive, resourceful, and thoughtful nurse as well. Tethered to a catheter, Mom endured several months of recurring UTI's and numerous rounds of antibiotics. The problem started well before Sharon's arrival on the case. Mom's urine would cycle between a brilliant neon purple, and cloudy and dirty at best. The ever-diligent Sharon was determined to drain this discolored swamp once and for all. After much brainstorming and reflection, she decided to replace the latex catheter with a silicone alternative and prescribed flushing twice daily. Mom's urine has remained a clear amber hue for the past three months. So, yes -- there ARE medical miracles, with the right nurse's inspired intervention! Hats off to Sharon. She's our divine inspiration.