On a mission to deliver good care

By John Brieske

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Nursing is more than taking vital signs, dispensing medication and changing IV drips. While those clinical tasks are essential, the human element – that human touch – is just as important.

Natalie Austin discovered that when her partner, Adrienne, was hospitalized and diagnosed with H1N1 flu in February 2010. Sherrell Burrell, 62, a staff and charge nurse in the intensive care unit at Newton Medical Center, cared for Adrienne on many nights for the next three months.

“Sherrell is an angel disguised as a nurse... She truly cares for her patients and their families. She has prayed for us, cried with us, laughed with us. She called to check on us while she was on vacation — just to make sure we were all right,” Austin wrote in her nomination.

Adrienne was on life support and was sedated during much of her time in the ICU. Burrell went the extra mile to comfort her.

“On many nights Sherrell cared for Adrienne beyond just doing a job as a nurse. She talked with Adrienne and would make her as comfortable as possible,” Austin wrote.

When the patient took a turn for the worse and was life-flighted to Emory Midtown Hospital, Austin turned to Burrell for support. “Sherrell comforted me and reminded me just how far Adrienne had come in the past. Today, Adrienne is out of the hospital and on the road to recovery.”

Periodically, Adrienne and Austin visit the ICU to thank the nurses and bring them cookies.

“It brings smiles to our faces. Any time someone goes the extra mile to say thanks, it’s special,” Burrell said. “It challenges us to do our jobs better and better. It makes us realize that we were called to a purpose.”

Burrell, who has been a nurse since 1975, realized she wanted to follow that path when she was 9. At a church youth event, she heard a speaker talk about missionary work and the role of missionary nurses.

“God spoke to me that night and told me that I should be a nurse. His hand was definitely in it,” she said.

Burrell, who grew up in Newton County, had visions of serving patients on the other side of the globe, but her road has always led to Newton Medical Center. She first worked there in 1965 as a candy striper and later as a nursing assistant before becoming a nurse.

“I found out that this was my mission. These people need nurses, too,” she said.

Burrell fought back tears when she reacted to what was written about her in the nomination.

“I guess, especially after the lengthy career I’ve had, that I did take my life in the right direction,” she said.

Winning the award has been an overwhelming experience, Burrell said. “It’s been pleasurable to realize that someone outside your own little world thinks you’re special.”