Nurse Justin Parks: Compassionate Care and Last Wishes – SGMC Health Honors Exceptional Nursing

Justin Parks, a nurse from the 3T Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at SGMC Health, was recently honored with the May DAISY Award for his exceptional nursing care. The award recognized his outstanding work during end-of-life treatment of a patient and their family.

When the family decided to withdraw intervention and transition to comfort care, Parks went above and beyond in providing compassionate care to both the patient and their loved ones. Despite being in the ICU, when the patient expressed a desire to go outside after the ventilator was removed, Parks made it happen. The family was grateful for this gesture and expressed their appreciation for Parks’ efforts throughout the patient’s stay.

The memory of seeing his father’s face light up when he was taken outside will be cherished by the patient’s son, thanks to Parks’ thoughtfulness. In addition to fulfilling the patient’s last wish, Parks also ensured that all of their needs were met and that any questions they had were answered.

At SGMC Health, we encourage patients and colleagues to nominate nurses who demonstrate exceptional care and go above and beyond in their work. Nominations are reviewed based on criteria such as compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, skills, and knowledge. The DAISY award is presented monthly in front of colleagues, physicians, patients