News

Nothing may be harder than sitting at a loved one’s bedside while they struggle to survive. This was the situation for a family with a loved one who was hospitalized and passed away at RiverView recently. However, a family member took the time to report that the compassionate care the patient received and the kindness the family was given made a positive impact.

The patient’s daughter-in-law contacted Heather Bergeron, Risk Management coordinator, to share her praise of the care her family member received at RiverView from the Emergency Department through their passing. She said all of the nurses were great in the ED and on second floor, but she said Laura Nordlum was outstanding.

Bergeron stated of her conversation with the patient’s daughter-in-law: “Laura really stood out, especially the day her mother-in-law passed away. Laura called the family to let them know of a change in her condition so family could come. Laura arranged for the patient to be transferred so the family could be adjacent to her in the family room, which meant a lot to the family. Laura ensured the family was continuously updated and the family could tell Laura was providing good communication to Dr. Rose as well because Dr. Rose was updated with the information when she talked to the family.

Laura made sure the patient was comfortable by being very attentive and ensuring she was cared for and turned often. She made sure the family was as comfortable as possible by providing juice/coffee/cookies. This was not at all expected by the family, and was extremely appreciated. The family was always reassured when they saw Laura was working because of how she showed she cared about the patient and all the family in all her interactions, no matter what the circumstances were. It is evident this is Laura, through and through.’’

A LPN on the Inpatient Unit, Laura has worked at RiverView since September of 1980.