Gathering in the ICU with the unit’s new clinical recliner chairs, are, Gretchen Nicolosi, third from right, and Maureen Bowe, second from left, with ICU nurses, from left, Michelle Prusko, Lisa Fabrizio, Gina Peralta and Bailey Stark.
Long Branch, N.J. – Through a generous community donation, Monmouth Medical Center’s ICU was able to purchase state-of-the-art clinical care recliner chairs that not only provide the comfort of heat and massage, but also help the care team effectively implement early mobilization in critically ill patients.
Robin Embrey, Director of Donor Relations for the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, notes that Rumson resident Carl Reiss, through his family’s J.L. Reiss Foundation, donates to the hospital every year in honor of his niece, ICU nurse Gretchen Nicolosi, a resident of the Navesink section of Middletown. “This year, in speaking with Gretchen, he learned that clinical care recliner chairs were needed for the ICU, and provided funding for the purchase of eight recliners,” she says.
In recognition of his gift, plaques were installed on the back of each chair that read “This chair generously donated to Monmouth Medical Center’s ICU by the J.L. Reiss Foundation.”
“The recliners provide comfort and support to our patients as well as visiting loved ones,” Gretchen says. “They also provide support for progressive movement. It’s important to have early mobility for optimum outcomes.”
She notes that the ICU patient rooms are equipped with lifts in the ceilings that can lift patient right from the bed into the chair to get them started on their journey to mobilization.
Maureen Bowe, MSN, RN, Administrative Director of Critical Care, Renal Services, Nursing Resources, Respiratory Care and Cardiology Services, notes that the recliners provide more than comfort. “The heat and massage of the chairs assist with a holistic approach to healing critically ill patients,” she says.
CONTACT: Kathy Horan
(732) 546-6317
Kathy.Horan@rwjbh.org