I would just have to find out myself. My sis had told me about this amazing nurse she had met while in at the hospital for a procedure. She explained that she thought Brittney could be related to or familiar with someone from our eldest brother's past. After sharing her reasoning with me, I thought how could this be? This said friendship of our brother's took place more than 40 years ago! And in another state! Surely my sis was mistaken.
My sis had been in and out of Pullman Regional Hospital quite a few times over the past few years and had encounters with many hospital employees. Over time this would include staff from administration to kitchen, from ER to pharmacy, from her doctors' offices to the med/surg unit. And, being the very sociable person that she was, my sis did her best to get to know as many as she could. Her main focus, however, seemed to be with the many wonderful nurses who she frequently came in contact with. And there were so many kind, caring, patient, strong nurses she and the family would get to know. I had hoped to name them all here, but fear leaving one out.
However, once I met this specific nurse sis had been telling me about, I quickly understood why she felt the connection she did. Upon meeting Brittney, and later spending time getting to know her, I did find out for myself and quickly agreed that my sis was right - Brittney was indeed someone very special. Immediately I noticed the friendly, caring, confident and professional manner in which Brittney approached my sis. But soon I also saw how Brittney arrived this way at the start of every single shift (and my sis was there for many shifts). Brittney took the time to get to know my sis, sharing just enough about herself to help my sister feel more at ease.
Brittney made it obvious to all of us that she was very mindful that my sister's care was her utmost priority. She worked closely with her fellow nurses, family physicians and surgeons, pharmacy staff, hospital social staff, and our family to ensure all were on the same page in meeting my sister's needs.
Her manner of being friendly, polite and respectful in spending time with my sis would be extended to include family and close friends. She would get to know and seemed to understand each person's relationship and personality and would utilize that information to comfort us and to help us better understand what my sis was going through.
It has already been made known how wonderful it was that, on one particularly unhappy day, Brittney found a way to make it possible for my sis to enjoy one last "campfire". The extent that she went to provide a "campfire" in a "woodsy environment" along with music, lighting, decor-was totally unbelievable. She went above and beyond measures, in what we were to find out would be my sister's last adventure; it was such a blessing! Without the help of the nurses (in which we learned Brittney played a huge role), this would not have been possible. It brought one last happy memory for my sis (and for those who could be present). There are no words to express just how much this activity meant to everyone.
During the last two weeks of her life, in addition to the aforementioned event, Brittney was also very generous with her personal time. She took the time to sit and watch the sunrise/sunset on more than one occasion with family members. Brittney made sure family and friends were taking care of themselves, eating and getting enough rest. During sis' final days it was so heartwarming when I came in to find Brittney had stayed long after her shift was over to be there alongside us while we kept vigil.
To say Brittney is caring, compassionate, considerate, conscientious, dedicated, friendly, generous, knowledgeable, patient, personable, positive, skillful, understanding...all would be true. And, these are all great attributes but they are only words. For us, Brittney is more than words. She is an exceptional person, with a strong inner energy, a "fierce lover of life", and a force which sustained us through a very sad and difficult time.