Karla Germano is a #HomeCareHero. Read her story.
KARLA GERMANO
While most people are watching TV, getting ready to enjoy their weekend or sleeping, Karla Germano is responding to urgent calls from patients in need.
In her role as the weekend overnight on-call nurse for Lifetime Care of Rochester Regional Health, Karla is prepared for anything a day or night may bring. She collaborates with members of the patient care team and often contacts providers to enable her patients to remain safely at home, avoiding a hospital admission.
COVID-19 has added to the anxieties of patients and families. In this environment, no one wants to go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary, and Karla does everything possible to avoid that outcome by working closely with doctors to provide patient-specific treatment in the home.
In one instance, Karla was called to see a patient who was rapidly declining. The patient did not want to go to the hospital and the family wanted to respect her wishes; they had recently endured a long separation while she was previously in the hospital, followed by several more weeks in a nursing home for rehab.
Karla was able to work with the doctor to obtain an order for fluids, arrange pharmacy delivery on a Saturday night and work with other members of the team to coordinate needed services at home.
Karla does it all with a smile, providing reassurance and encouragement to anyone who comes across her path.
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