In the high-tech world of a cardiac intensive care unit, Roger Blanza, BSN, RN, represents the intersection of the human touch with lifesaving technology.
In May, Blanza marked his 20th year as a nurse in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he is known for building relationships that celebrate the dignity of each patient and family.
“Their dignity is preserved in the ICU, no matter how sick they are,” said Blanza. He goes out of his way to keep patients well-groomed, often carrying hair clippers with him. He keeps each bedside table free of clutter, even for patients who may not be aware of their surroundings. “Once recovery begins, it is better if they feel human and dignified. It counts to people. It makes them feel good.”
“Many patients here are acutely sick with minimal heart function. They wouldn’t be alive without an assist device,” he said. “You can still have a human relationship with them and their families.”
Always an advocate for patients, he describes intervening when one man, irritated by a feeding tube, pulled the tube out entirely. Typically, the next step medically is to reinsert the tube. Blanza asked the physicians to give the patient a little time. Blanza sat quietly with him, gradually encouraging sips of a high-nutrient drink. And then a few spoonfuls of pudding.
“I knew if I could get him to consume enough calories, maybe he could do without the tube,” said Blanza. “I coax a patient, encourage them to eat a little. I know that being able to remove the tube will make the patient feel calmer. As I get the patient to eat more and more, we are able to remove the tube.”
An ICU veteran, Blanza’s knowledge is valued by colleagues. And he shares it generously. He provides orientation for new nurses and teaches a course in hemodynamics. He is teaching nurses how to operate an intraortic balloon pump, a device to help the heart.
His embrace of nursing was not lost on his four children – three have become nurses themselves. For his professionalism and patient advocacy, he was chosen in 2013 as a regional finalist in the newenglandnurses.com Nurse Excellence Awards. In 2012, he received the Brigham and Women’s Essence of Nursing Award, the Department of Nursing’s highest honor.
“Taking care of patients makes me happy. The relationships with the patients energize me. The smile that I see on their face means everything,” said Blanza.
