The day in a life of a critical care nurse is never easy. Caring for the sickest of the sick we see the face of death all too often. Some deaths are easier to accept than others, but when your patient is young and just begun to live their life it is never easy.

Barb McElhoe is an extraordinary nurse and I have the pleasure and honor to work with her. I am nominating her for the DAISY award for her respect for life and compassionate care that she gave her patient and his mother.

Barb had the difficult job of caring for S who had suffered a cardiac arrest from an unknown genetic disorder. This remarkable young man was only 22 years old, but had made his wishes of organ donation known to his family and friends. He lived in Indianapolis with his girlfriend. His mother lived out of state in Nevada with his step-dad and siblings. She flew in to be by his side. Brain death was determined on June 30th. He was approved by IOPO for organ donation. An IOPO case can be a long drawn out process. This particular case seemed to have taken longer, and I believe 4 people received the gift of life from S.

His mother stayed by his side until he left for surgery at 0200 the morning of July 3rd. Barb took wonderful care of S and formed a bond with his mother. She made her a bed on a cart so she could lie next to her son; she made sure she had food and drinks. She sat and talked with her about S and his life. The night S was going to surgery was Barb's night off, but she came in and worked extra so she could care for him. She brought his mother a gift and a card with $100 to help her with her expenses to get her back home. She had overheard a phone conversation and knew money was tight. When S left for surgery and his mom said her last goodbye Barb gave her a hug and cried with her.

Barb went above and beyond the call of duty. To add to this story, this mom had no faith and claimed to be an atheist. It is my prayer that Barb's Christian acts will help her change her mind.