Recently, a rapid response was paged to the ER. Anne Marie responded and asked what she could do to help. With limited staff, we had no one to tend to the family. Anne Marie was asked if she could help the patient's wife who stood in the hall looking bewildered and unaware that her husband had actually coded. Anne Marie put her day's workload aside and took on the role of a social worker without a second thought.
While the ER staff worked to save her husband, Anne Marie took the wife to the Quiet Room and sat with her. They talked about the day's plans and events leading up to their arrival at the ER. Anne Marie waited for the wife's sister to arrive. Again, Anne Marie became a pillar of strength for both of them. She was there to listen to their stories and was there for each and every time the doctor came in with an update. She became more to them in those moments than a nurse "just doing her job". When it was time to visit her husband, Anne Marie escorted her to the room and stood by her side.
When it was time to make the difficult decision to let go, Anne Marie was there to comfort and console. Anne Marie stayed even after the news that everyone dreads to hear. She got the name of the funeral home so arrangements could be made and the family didn't have to make those calls. She intervened when the funeral home arrived so they didn't take the patient until each family member had been reached and given an opportunity to come to the hospital to say goodbye. She made sure food was delivered because neither of the ladies had eaten all day.
Anne Marie helped this family in their darkest hour. We all have the opportunity to make a difference. Anne Marie changed the experience of this family to one of support and caring. On this day no one stood alone in despair.
We're so lucky to have you, Anne Marie.