My husband arrived in the intensive care unit in the early morning hours. The previous day he was exposed to high levels of chlorine gas which caused a nearly spontaneous chemical pneumonia. He had a cannula surgically placed while he was hooked up to ECMO. He was so seriously ill that we were encouraged to speak with palliative care and consider end of life directives if needed. It was during this traumatic time that we first met Adriane Weigand. Although we felt like we were caught up in a horrific storm, she was our anchor from admission to discharge.
Adriane constantly took the time to explain all procedures, medications and answer our many questions. She was an expert guide on our long and scary five-week journey. Adriane was a precious combination of professionalism and compassion. Even though a terrible crisis of life and death brought us all into the intensive care unit, we had many, many heartwarming experiences there.
During my husband's five-week admission, three of our five daughters had birthdays. Because we were in a warm, caring environment, we shared that in general conversations with Adriane. On each of their birthdays, Adriane surprised us with homemade cookies or cupcakes. This gesture was so very thoughtful and much appreciated. When over a month later we found my husband being transferred to acute rehab, Adriane came in on her day off to wish my husband and all of us well. It meant so much to each of us! She is not only an exceptional nurse, but she is also truly an exceptional human being.