Laura kept her promise and returned to ICCU less than two months after being discharged.

Nearing the end of her rehabilitation, Laura cast aside her wheelchair to walk into the ICCU to see all the staff who took such incredible care of her.

The team, including Clinical Nurse Karen Hunt, were overcome with emotion to see Laura looking so strong and happy.

“When Laura turned up in ICCU and I saw her walking on her own two feet, I was just so happy. She looked beautiful and like a regular young lady, not covered in equipment or hooked up to machines,” Karen said.

“When a patient comes back, you realise that the challenges we face in this job everyday are really worth it. You know that you’re making a positive impact.”

Karen has worked in ICCU at Flinders for nearly 30 years. It’s the patients and the amazing team who keep Karen motivated to work in such a demanding environment.

“Working in ICCU is stressful, busy and crazy. It’s unpredictable, you never know what the day, or night, will bring,” Karen said.

“We have a great team in ICCU – I am very fortunate to work with incredible people. Our team and our patients are what bring us to work every day.”

Karen said the ICCU staff enjoyed hearing stories from grateful patients like Laura.

“So many times, you just wonder what happens when a person leaves the unit,” she said.

“It’s lovely that patients and their families take the time to send (us thank you notes). It’s quite rewarding when you see or read about a positive outcome, and you know people are genuinely grateful for the care that  we have provided.”