Akron Life November 2022

CAMEOS OF CARING

reservations about the surgery because he did not have any medical insurance. He felt he could go home, save some money and come back later. The cardiothoracic surgeon and his team let the patient know the severity of his heart damage and told him the likeliness of him returning to the hospital alive was very slim. … As his case manager, I got the pleasure of diving in and listening about his life and what meant the most to him. He told me about his daughter and his new 3-month-old grandson. He stated they are the light of his life. He was hesitant about having the surgery because of the potential cost he may incur that may potentially be left for his daughter. I shared that I had lost my father when I was in my early 30s. I explained how that loss affected me. I asked him what he feels his daughter would think about the options presented. … I explained that I could assist in helping him apply for Medicaid and that if accepted, the coverage would retroactively cover the last three months. I followed up with him the next day, and to my delight, he decided to have surgery. … I received a phone call approximately six months later from this patient. He stated that he appreciated the extensive time I took to really discuss his situation with him. … He said he would not be here on this earth if it were not for me. He stated he is enjoying being a grandfather and feels blessed to be here. Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities. TH: I am very passionate about case management and the positive effects this role has. Our team is made up of the most fantastic case managers and licensed social workers. … I am very humbled and blessed to provide case management services to our patients and families.

NICOLE MANN: I’ve always loved helping people — nursing was a natural choice.

What is the most satisfying part of your career? NM: Making those connections with patients and families, whether it’s sharing a laugh, providing comfort or just being a listening ear. Share a story about a special patient or situation. NM: I had a patient who was a teacher in an underprivileged school system. She had all of her testing done, and everything was OK. She really wanted to be discharged so she could be there for her students the next day. I made so many phone calls and stayed a little late to get her discharged. She was so appreciative. Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities. NM: I learned back in nursing school that nurses are experts in caring. The last few years have made that statement stand out for me. We have been faced with so many challenges and have been pushed to our limit. However, in the chaos, those moments of connection with our patients reminds us why we do what we do.

KRISTIN WHEELER Summa Health, Akron campus, Registered Nurse

NICOLE MANN

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in

Summa Health, Barberton campus, Registered Nurse EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in nursing, The University of Akron Daisy Award nomination, representative at Magnet Conference Why did you become a nurse? HONORS & AWARDS:

nursing, The University of Akron HONORS & AWARDS: Peer recognition award in unit Why did you become a nurse? KRISTIN WHEELER: I originally went

to college with the intention to become a social worker. During my studies, I realized that my gifts would be better suited as a nurse. It was always my intention to do something that would help people. Nursing seemed like the best fit because you can help people in all aspects of their lives.

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