Filling Another's Cup: Carroll Hospital Nurse Goes Out of Way to Offer Comfort

Taking a cold, refreshing sip of a drink is something we’ve all taken for granted. For patients in Carroll Hospital’s intermediate care (IMC) unit, it’s a luxury — not a simplepleasure. Luckily, registered nurse Brianna Anthony is there to guarantee each patient’s sip is safe and satisfying. 

The Westminster native started her career at Carroll Hospital as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while she was in high school and worked as a technician in the IMC throughout college. “My mom was the manager of Carroll Hospital’s IMC and the critical care unit,” shares Anthony. “She really inspired me to want to work here, so after being a CNA and a tech, I became a nurse and joined the IMC in 2018.” 

In the IMC, Anthony is responsible for monitoring patients, creating care plans, administering tests and medications, and more. “My job can be really difficult sometimes—both mentally and physically,” she shares. “But my favorite thing is being able to connect with my patients and making their days better.”

One way she improves patients’ stays in the IMC is by thickening and cooling drinks for those who have difficulty swallowing. “To keep patients from choking, we have to ensure they have the appropriate amount of thickness in whatever they’re drinking,” explains Anthony. “If they want to enjoy a Coke or ginger ale, I have to make sure the carbonation and ice do not disrupt the thickness of the drink.”

To do this, Anthony takes one cup filled with ice and the other with the thickened liquid and pours it back and forth, so the drink is nice and cold.

While it is a simple gesture, it’s one that demonstrates Anthony’s commitment to keeping her patients happy, healthy and safe.

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