Transport nurse Julie Vitoria knows that sometimes “healing” takes place outside the confines of the hospital or doctor’s office and that it involves so much more than medical procedures.
Vitoria recently went far beyond what is expected of a nurse when she helped a young patient prepare for the funeral of her immediate family.
According to Gina Dobrasz, who nominated Vitoria, “This patient came to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after being victim of a tragic accident and unfortunately, the rest of her immediate family did not survive. When it was time for her family’s funeral, this little girl needed help both emotionally and physically.”
Vitoria stepped up to help this child by organizing transportation by ambulance to the funeral.
When she realized the patient did not have appropriate clothes to wear, Julie provided a selection of dresses and shoes so the little girl could choose the outfit she wanted to wear to the funeral.
Vitoria also learned that the child wanted a rosary. She arranged for not one, but three rosary bead bracelets to present to the little girl on the day she transported her to the funeral.
Dobrasz says that Vitoria is totally selfless and cares for her patients on every level.
She explains, “She took the time to care for this child and her extended family amidst horrible circumstances, and she went above and beyond to make an unpleasant experience one that was as comfortable for the child as possible. She was there for this little girl on a personal level and was emotionally supportive before, during and after the service.”
When asked about the nomination, Vitoria says, “The first word that comes to my mind is honored. It was truly an honor to try and make such a terrible tragedy a little better for such an amazingly brave and precious little girl.”
She goes on to add, “I have had the great fortune to work alongside some of the most extraordinary nurses both at Children’s and outlying facilities. So to be recognized, knowing how many incredible nurses I encounter on a daily basis is again truly an honor.”
