Holly Scott

Providing compassionate, relationship-based care to gravely ill patients and their families is a skill Holly Scott, BSN, RN, CCRN, brings to her work every day in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

“Holly has shown an exceptional ability to form strong and meaningful relationships with patients and their families,” wrote Hasna Hakim, DNP, RN, MPH, CCRN, nursing director. “She understands that the patient’s perspective is central to their care, and she always takes the time to listen to their concerns and needs.”

Scott’s deep sense of compassion for her patients and their families stems from the knowledge that the nonclinical tasks nurses perform often have the greatest impact on the lives of patients and their families.

“I have made space in my 28-year-old patient’s bed so their spouse could hold them one last time. I have held the phone to a patient’s ear so loved ones could say goodbye. All while trying to hold my composure in order to be a strong presence for my patient,” Scott shared.

Hasna Hakim (left) and Holly Scott (right)

Scott shares her compassion, expertise and knowledge with new nurses in the MICU as a preceptor.

“Holly has taken on the critical responsibility of guiding new nurses through their clinical experiences,” said Kristen Hanlon, MSN, RN, CCRN, professional development manager for the MICU and Medical/Surgical ICU. “She has shown remarkable patience and talent for teaching, providing new nursing colleagues with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident and critical care competent nurses.”

Scott was the preceptor for Victoria Zoppo, BSN, RN, a new MICU nurse, for two months.

“During that time, I received an education not only in the many technical competencies required of a critical care nurse at Brigham, but also in the importance of providing patient- and family-centered care,” Zoppo shared. “This is a skillset that is frequently taken for granted, as nurses are already assumed to be ‘good with people.’ Patient- and family-centered care, however, takes on new meaning when dealing with end of life.”

While these conversations are difficult, Zoppo was able to become more comfortable in preparing for patients and families for end of life, thanks to Scott’s example.

“On my very first day of orientation, I knew that I had found an incredible role model whose example I would strive to personify for the rest of my nursing career,” Zoppo said.

Scott says that she became a charge nurse so she could continue to help teach new nurses while maintaining her bedside care.

From left: Donald Kent Rogers, Jeffrey Flockton, Holly Scott, Jennifer Wilbourne and Carrie McCarthy

“New nurses need exposure to so many different things in order to be clinically competent and proficient when they are on their own. But we also need to teach them self-preservation and resilience if they are going to have a chance maintaining a long career in critical care,” she said.

Scott said what keeps her going as a critical care nurse is knowing she’s making a difference.

“I have been thanked by families and loved ones for emotional support,” she said. “A few people still reach out to me to reflect on those precious moments we spent together at the end. These are the rewards that keep me going.”

Scott received her BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She worked at several hospitals before joining the Brigham’s Intensive Care Unit Float Pool in 2004. She has worked in the MICU since 2005.

Nominated by Hasna Hakim, DNP, RN, MPH, CCRN, nursing director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit, with letters of support from Victoria Zoppo, BSN, RN, and Kristen Hanlon, MSN, RN, CCRN, professional development manager.

Photos by Faith Ninivaggi