Elizabeth Berube
April 2025
Elizabeth
Berube
,
BSN, RN
Intensive Care unit
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Mission
,
KS
United States

 

 

 

She stepped up, advocated for the family, and stated she wanted the patient to remain in the ICU and under her care because she had developed a rapport with them.
Recently, this nurse provided exceptional care to a patient and their family in a truly remarkable way. The patient's family had acknowledged the patient's first-person authority for organ donation, and the family fully supported this decision. The patient was scheduled for organ procurement at 10 o'clock in the morning. Unfortunately, the patient didn't pass away in the two hours allotted and was unable to donate his solid organs. The patient had to be returned to the ICU on comfort care, and the family was devastated. She saw how stressed the family members were and how much they were struggling with the situation. The recommendation was for the patient and family to be transferred to oncology. She stepped up, advocated for the family, and stated she wanted the patient to remain in the ICU and under her care because she had developed a rapport with them. She believed the right thing to do was to keep the care consistent in the ICU to support the family. The patient didn't pass away until nearly 1800 that evening. This nurse truly showed our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ and our service of love (Me). She provided excellent care on this day. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your kindness and empathy.