Heather Collins
September 2020
Heather
Collins
,
RN
Med/Surg Unit
Bayfront Health Seven Rivers
Crystal River
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

My 87-year-old husband was one of the first COVID-19 patients in the county. He was admitted, diagnosed, and isolated at Bayfront Health Seven Rivers Hospital. The diagnosis was unexpected and surprising. All the questions of how, where and when it happened were going through our minds. The inability to visit him at the hospital was difficult but the patience and understanding by Heather to explain how things were progressing were invaluable.
My numerous calls were answered promptly, and my questions explained until I fully understood. Heather also facilitated phone conversations with his daughters and grandchildren whenever he misplaced the phone. As his body and lungs became weaker, she made every effort to make him more comfortable and his breathing less painful. I can only imagine the stress associated with being in the front line. She's shown compassion while facing such a challenging environment; it was remarkable.
As his final days approached it was heartbreaking not to be able to say goodbye. I will forever be grateful for the extraordinary compassion Heather showed to both my husband and me shortly before his passing. The chance to obtain closure and tell him I would be okay going forward will never be forgotten. Heather stood out as a nurse willing and able to go beyond the normal call of duty. Many thanks to her!