Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/551105
torrancememorial.org PULSE | 15 nurses are the most extraordinary employees Torrance Memorial has to offer. Aer eight weeks with my daughter in the NICU, I strongly recommend this nurse for the DAISY Award. Not only does she continue to provide unparalleled care to my daughter and the other babies in the NICU, she also goes above and beyond to support me as a new mother. I have proven to be an incredibly demanding mother, and this nurse gracefully exceeds my expectations. Normally night nurses bathe the babies. I asked this nurse, and she gladly took time out of her day to bathe my daughter with me during the day. e next day she noticed my daughter was not looking as lively and pointed out her observations to the doctor. It turned out my daughter did have an infection. Because this nurse took the time to get to know my daughter, her infection was caught early. She also called me when the diagnosis was made. Understanding my need for information, she continues to call me when things change with my daughter. Doctors in the NICU use a lot of clinical language when they are explaining what is happening to your child, and this nurse has a way to explain each situation to me in a way that not only do I understand but I also feel good about what is happening. All the routine changes have also been difficult for me, and I don't think I would have made it through without this nurse, who reassures me in a way that I can confidently say no one else can do. She is truly extraordinary." Lisa Palm-Alkadis, RN: "My daughter has been hospitalized over eight times with asthma that turns into pneumonia. She is 3 years old. e compassion that I always receive from Torrance Memorial is stellar. Lisa was knowledgeable, and I trusted her totally. My daughter could barely breathe, with oxygen of 86%. I know that this is more than a profession; it's her passion, and it shows." Julie Kuennen Block, RN: "Julie Kuennen Block went to extraordinary measures to ensure that a patient was able to receive a desperately needed drug when he could not afford to pay for it. His insurance carrier and Medicare part D would not provide assistance. She assisted the patient in applying to an assistance program through the drug manufacturer, and he was denied. She was relentless in searching for a solution—calling pharmacies, the health plan and the drug company again and again. Finally the drug company reviewed his case and is providing some financial support. Julie proved to be an incredible patient advocate, and her work could very well have saved this patient's life. e patient's wife wrote that she was 'so appreciative for what Julie did' and that she 'prays for her every day.' e son wrote that he is 'so grateful' for Julie's efforts and that his dad is 'doing great now that he is on the medications' and reports that Dad is even 'doing push- ups and sit-ups.'" Naiwei Hsu-Chang, RN: "I would like to recognize this nurse from the burn unit. I was admitted to the burn unit and was there for 43 days. e entire staff of the burn unit was so exceptional—to choose one who rose above the other says a lot. is nurse always exhibited extraordinary nursing skills, care and unparalleled compassion. She showed such a high level of knowledge and skill. Torrance Memorial should know they are represented by the type of person she is. I believe her exemplary work should not only be recognized but should be used as an example of a goal to be strived for. She was so adept; she always seemed to anticipate my every need before I could ask, from day 1 to day 43. is made my recovery so much easier, and I am forever grateful for her." Jimmy David, RN: "He is a joy making the hospital stay bearable. ey broke the mold with him. He anticipates your every need. He is kind, caring and has a wonderful heart. I've never experienced this level of nursing care. He truly takes an interest in your healing and will do the best he can and even go out of his way to help. He is definitely an asset to Torrance Memorial. He stands out as a shining example of what a nurse should be." H E A LT H L I N KS