Keisha Graham
February 2016
Keisha
Graham
,
RN
Emergency Department
CHI Memorial
Chattanooga
,
TN
United States

 

 

 

There was an elderly gentleman in the ER last night who was critically ill, and clearly demonstrated clinical signs of nearing death. This patient had no family present to be with him. Keisha took the initiative to demonstrate not only the characteristics of a gifted clinician in his nursing care, but she also demonstrated true care and compassion as a person. She sat by his side and held his hand for hours. She made sure he was in a position of comfort and supported him with pillows. Kept his lips moisturized and even used her phone to play hymns. Keisha made sure a chaplain was called to pray over the patient, and advocated for the patient with the MD to obtain those things needed to increase the patient's level of comfort as his condition began to worsen.
When 0700 came, she clocked out, but remained at the bedside with the patient for over an hour until another nurse was able to take her place. She went above and beyond to ensure the patient was able to die with dignity and not alone.