Grateful Patients Honor Caregivers

Harry Schoenfeld and his wife Bernardine “Bernie” have been married for over 70 years. They met at Hammond Aircraft where they both worked during World War II. After a recent stay at Dominican, the couple made a gift to Dominican Hospital Foundation, in honor of Dr. Jay Johnson and Sheila Pitfield, RN.

Bernie caught a bad case of flu that made her feel progressively worse. When she didn’t get better, Harry decided he needed to take action. “We were desperate and didn’t know what to do, so I called Dr. Johnson. He advised me to bring Bernie to the hospital and had a team ready for us when we got there. His quickness and expertise felt very reassuring to us.”

Sheila was one of the nurses on the unit taking care of Bernie. “All of the nurses on the unit were very nice,” said Bernie “But Sheila went above and beyond. She made me feel so comfortable.”

When asked about how she chose her profession Sheila said, “I have always had a passion to care for other people.” Originally from Mississippi, Sheila came to Santa Cruz as a traveling nurse five years ago and never left. “I love the area and all the people that I work with here at Dominican.”

“I feel like I am going to cry!” said Sheila when she was presented with the news and a special lapel pin honoring her exceptional care. “It is so nice to be recognized by patients — no one has recognized me in this way before and it makes me feel very special.”

Sheila has been a nurse for over 18 years in different areas. Her next goal is to obtain her MA in Education. “My future dream job would be to work in preventive care in Women’s Health.”

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Nurses’ week is coming up on Friday May 6 – Thursday May 12. We invite you to take this opportunity to honor a nurse that has made a difference in your care. Call the Dominican Hospital Foundation at 831.462.7712 or visit www.suppordominican.org.