We were receiving a direct admit from a neighboring hospital. The patient was in respiratory distress and needed a higher level of care. Unfortunately, in route, the patient arrested. Instead of coming to MICU, the EMT's took him directly to the ED where he could receive emergent care. While awaiting the patient's outcome, his wife walked on the unit very scared and anxious to see him. She had no idea that he had arrested twice and was now in the ED.
Without being asked, Whitney updated the patient's wife on what happened, walked her to the ED, and found the nurses/physicians who were involved in his care. Whitney sat with his wife until other family was able to arrive. After going back to work the rest of her shift, word was received that the patient did pass away. Whitney went back to the ED to hug his wife and give her condolences. So even though the patient never made it to MICU, Whitney, his MICU nurse cared in a deep and meaningful way.
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For the past few weeks my mother in law has been in MICU and most days, Whitney was her nurse. My mother-in-law's journey was full of highs and lows. What stood out the most is when it came time to make decisions on end of life and her son and brother were very torn. Whitney was asked, "What would you do?" In the most compassionate and honest way, she responded, "I would do it this way for my mom." Whitney was with us the entire journey from extubation to her passing. When the pain of her loss was too much for her brother to bear, he asked Whitney to say goodbye for him and she did this for him. This was the ultimate form of respect and care for my family. It was an honor to have her healing hands and heart during the most difficult time of our life. Your hospital should be proud to have nurses as exceptional as Whitney. She will never be forgotten by our family.