Elissa Redetzke
May 2019
Elissa
Redetzke
,
RN
ICU
Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Hospital - Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes
,
MN
United States
Elissa Redetzke was assigned to care for a very confused, and at times, combative elderly patient. This patient was stabilized and in need of nursing home placement. Placement was difficult and so Mr. G remained in the ICU to be under close observation for his physical safety.
Elissa worked many 12-hour shifts under uncooperative and argumentative attitudes with Mr. G. He frequently insisted on her spelling words repeatedly, as well as doing basic math tables. She did not waver in her kindness and just continued to spell the words that Mr. G requested in his confused state - over and over and over. She could have turned Mr. G's care over to another nurse, but each day she continued to care for him. This wise woman knew that consistent continuity of care would be the best way to care for Mr. G. Elissa knew his activities of daily living routine and idiosyncrasies. She could deescalate his demeanor to avoid physical violence or angry outbursts.
Elissa had the ultimate in professionalism and calmness with Mr. G during his outbursts of insults and foul language. Calm, steady, and reassuring, she gently cared for him with respect and compassion. Her tender voice could be heard for almost every, entire 12-hour shift for over a week.
The family of Mr. G said he was a kindhearted man, but to their dismay, his diagnosis changed him into someone they no longer knew. They were very frustrated, saddened, and embarrassed by his behavior. The family was frightened with the disposition plans to send their loved one to a facility near Minneapolis. Elissa calmly reassured them that the ESHM team would be there to help with the transition. Compassion abounded in her care for Mrs. G. and Elissa's shoulders absorbed many of her tears.
Mr. G suddenly, and unexpectedly, developed respiratory issues and his physical condition steadily declined. It was a very painful and confusing time for the family to make comfort care decisions. Elissa continued to explain time after time, day after day, that their decisions were not in any way wrong. She continued to be the caregiver of Mr. G and his family.
Elissa nursed with compassion and empathy and continually cared for Mr. G until his last breath. The family feels blessed to have had Elissa care for their loved one, and Elissa feels that God blessed her with her ability to compassionately care for Mr. G.
Elissa worked many 12-hour shifts under uncooperative and argumentative attitudes with Mr. G. He frequently insisted on her spelling words repeatedly, as well as doing basic math tables. She did not waver in her kindness and just continued to spell the words that Mr. G requested in his confused state - over and over and over. She could have turned Mr. G's care over to another nurse, but each day she continued to care for him. This wise woman knew that consistent continuity of care would be the best way to care for Mr. G. Elissa knew his activities of daily living routine and idiosyncrasies. She could deescalate his demeanor to avoid physical violence or angry outbursts.
Elissa had the ultimate in professionalism and calmness with Mr. G during his outbursts of insults and foul language. Calm, steady, and reassuring, she gently cared for him with respect and compassion. Her tender voice could be heard for almost every, entire 12-hour shift for over a week.
The family of Mr. G said he was a kindhearted man, but to their dismay, his diagnosis changed him into someone they no longer knew. They were very frustrated, saddened, and embarrassed by his behavior. The family was frightened with the disposition plans to send their loved one to a facility near Minneapolis. Elissa calmly reassured them that the ESHM team would be there to help with the transition. Compassion abounded in her care for Mrs. G. and Elissa's shoulders absorbed many of her tears.
Mr. G suddenly, and unexpectedly, developed respiratory issues and his physical condition steadily declined. It was a very painful and confusing time for the family to make comfort care decisions. Elissa continued to explain time after time, day after day, that their decisions were not in any way wrong. She continued to be the caregiver of Mr. G and his family.
Elissa nursed with compassion and empathy and continually cared for Mr. G until his last breath. The family feels blessed to have had Elissa care for their loved one, and Elissa feels that God blessed her with her ability to compassionately care for Mr. G.