Providing comfort and kindness with warm blankets

Renay Harris noticed a family member sitting quietly in the ICU and thoughtfully asked, “Would you like a warm blanket?”

“You would do that for me?” exclaimed a family member visiting their loved one at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central.

An environmental service aide, Harris has been working in the ICU for five years. She knows the toll an ICU stay can have on patients and their family members. It can feel overwhelmingly draining – physically, emotionally and mentally. Harris’ goal is to make patients and family members feel as comfortable as possible.

“When your family member is going through something, people don’t realize that [family members] are going through something too,” Harris said. “If we can make you comfortable, then I’ll just go for it.”

Whether it’s providing warm blankets or offering water, ice chips, hot tea or coffee, Harris keeps patients and family members top of mind.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Harris said her mom taught her the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. That principle stuck with Harris and is something she exudes every day.

“I try to make everybody feel as comfortable as I can,” Harris said.

Prior to joining UCHealth in 2018, Harris worked in home health care for 30 years. She bonded with her patients during their grocery store outings and doctors’ visits. Harris would often sit with them, listening to their stories. Wanting to try something different, she made a career change and joined UCHealth, offering that same care and compassion.

Harris’ kindness is matched by her work ethic, staying busy to ensure a cleanly environment.

“Since Renay has been working this unit, the infection rate has dropped,” said Charlie Twiggs, environmental services director at UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

Not only does Harris build meaningful relationships with patients and their families, she connects with colleagues too.

“One reason I like coming to work is because the nurses up there [in the ICU] are fantastic,” Harris said. “They’re great. All of them.”

That respect and admiration for her colleagues is mutual. Walking the halls at Memorial Hospital Central, it’s clear that Harris is well known and appreciated. She is frequently greeted by her coworkers, and always reciprocates a friendly “hello’’ and “How are you?’’