Sydney Laswell
May 2013
Sydney
Laswell
,
RN
ICU
West Chester Hospital
West Chester
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

My father passed away while my mother was a patient at West Chester Hospital. She had been in the ICU unit for several days, and was taken out of the ICU on Thursday. Visitation for my dad was Friday night. My dad had been in a retirement facility and my mother had not been able to see him for several weeks. The actions of Sydney enabled my mother to be able to see my father and pay her last respects after the visitation and service were over. It was my understanding that this had never occurred before.

A wheel chair accessible van took my mother to the funeral home. She was accompanied by another nurse. Four doctors had to approve taking my mother to the Funeral Home and agree her health would support the visit. A big thank you to all who participated. This action gave my mother closure and a sense of peace she would not have had. She has discussed this MANY times since she was able to see my dad before he was buried. You cannot put a value on this action. Word of this action spread not only though our family, but to friends around the country.

Sydney Laswell was the primary reason this occurred. She was on a mission all day Friday, consistently seeking and finally getting approval from the doctors. She did not let up in her mission to make this happen. She apparently worked on the approval all day. This was above and beyond normal expectations for her role. She could have easily asked and taken the first responses and met her obligation. Her determination and effort is what separates someone from doing a good job to providing extraordinary service to her patient. She also assisted in getting the van to take my mother to the Funeral Home and in getting a nurse to be with her on her "leave."

Words cannot express the feelings we have toward those involved and my family would like to sincerely express our respect and gratitude for those involved, with highest commendation to Sydney. This truly was a life changing event for my mother and our family.

The patient has since passed and the family has found comfort in knowing that she was given that precious time with her husband. The DAISY Award recognizes Extraordinary Nurses who demonstrate amazingly compassionate care and that certainly describes you, Sydney. Congratulations and thank you.