Posted In Awards and Recognition on June 23, 2025
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is pleased to announce that Erica Wheeler, RRT, is its Tree of Life Award recipient for June 2025.
This award honors respiratory therapists who provide excellent care to patients, make a special connection, and are engaged with the care team to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.
Wheeler was nominated by a TidalHealth nurse for her compassion, professionalism, teamwork and dedication to providing exceptional service to both patients and their families:
“For two nights in a row, I had the privilege of working alongside Erica. On each of these nights, I both witnessed and experienced her compassion firsthand. As a new grad RN, adjusting to the hospital environment can be challenging at times, especially when things do not go as we'd ideally plan.
The patience and calmness Erica displayed when our patient had an abrupt change in status provided me with a sense of ease. Her presence allowed me to focus on what mattered most in the moment — the patient. While to some it may seem minuscule, I can say in complete confidence that the compassion she showed that evening is something I hope to carry with me long into the future.
As a new nurse, I've found some of my most difficult and daunting tasks to be mustering up the correct words when communicating with families. On the second evening mentioned, I was in a patient's room, stumbling over my words. Unbeknownst to her, she enters the room to my rescue. Together, we were able to provide the family member with a clearer understanding. Aside from the family, this particular patient was considerably stuporous at the moment, in addition to being deaf, which made communication an even bigger challenge.
As healthcare workers, our nights can be busy! All busyness aside, Erica was there not only when I needed her, but more importantly, when the patient needed her. The time she took out of her night to assist me, the family and the patient is something that will be permanently ingrained in my mind.
There aren't enough words to accurately describe the effort and dedication she put into all of us those two nights. To say she went above and beyond her respiratory duties would be an understatement. I was truly honored to work alongside her those evenings.”
TidalHealth appreciates Wheeler and all of the respiratory therapists who provide exceptional care to patients throughout our health system.
To nominate a respiratory therapist for this award, visit our Tree of Life Award Nomination Form.
