Nurse brings graduation to hospitalized patient

Vickie Broerman, a UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central trauma nurse navigator, thought of her own family when she met broken and battered 19-year-old Shayne Schultze.

Schultze, injured in an ATV accident, was on the mend physically. But Broerman, a 36-year nurse and mother of four, could see the emotional toll Schultze faced as he thought of not receiving his high school diploma alongside Woodland Park High School classmates.

“I thought if my child was in the hospital, I’d want someone to step up for them,” Broerman said. “That was my motivation.”

Broerman organized an impromptu graduation ceremony for Schultze, complete with “Pomp and Circumstance,” decorations and 112 staff members who applauded as Schultze rose from his wheelchair. He walked the final few steps to receive his diploma from school principal Kevin Burr and counselor Chad Cosner.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“When I walked into Party America in my scrubs and practically cleaned out the place, I think they thought I was a little crazy,” Broerman said. “But it takes a lot to make a hospital hallway festive.”

High school wasn’t easy for Schultze. Only a few days before his accident, he’d gotten news that he’d completed all requirements and proudly showed off his cap and gown to family members, beaming at the thought of wearing his school’s green-and-white colors and crossing a stage. A celebratory ATV ride nearly ended the dream. After the crash, Schultze was airlifted to Memorial Central where surgeons used screws and rods to mend his fractured vertebrae. They also wired his broken jaw shut.

Despite his injuries, Schultze gave a brief interview to a reporter. He also thanked Broerman who’d listened to him and offered personal advice, including “Your past can propel you or paralyze you – the choice is yours.”

Broerman praised dozens of departments and individuals who helped with the celebration in addition to leading Schultze’s care.

“Dietary, housekeeping, nurses, trauma surgeons and leadership came together,” Broerman said. “We all got behind this kid. That’s what Memorial Hospital is all about.”