January 2025
Laura
Schuler
,
RN
Comprehensive Care Unit
OSF Saint James John W. Albrecht Medical Center
Pontiac
,
IL
United States
She stood with me as I said my goodbyes, she was stroking S's hair and talking gently to her as she passed, and held me and comforted me while waiting for family to return.
When they moved my niece from ICU to Laura's "hospice" section, she had just come on duty as not only S's nurse but as floor supervisor. Laura made sure the family had plenty of coffee, snacks, etc. but mostly she was devoted to making S as comfortable as could be as she was declining and at the same time giving comfort to the family. Even though she was busy with floor supervision, she made sure to come in every 15 min or so to check on S (and family). She shared with me the fact that she had lost her mother and daughter recently and that helping other families facing their loss was her passion because she felt in her heart what we were going through. Laura even stayed over her shift because she had been with S (and us) all day and knew she was nearing the end. At the end, it was just Laura and I as the rest of family had gone out to eat. She stood with me as I said my goodbyes, she was stroking S's hair and talking gently to her as she passed, and held me and comforted me while waiting for family to return. I believe she is an angel sent from God for the purpose of taking care of families like mine. Laura totally deserves this award and much more. We can never thank her enough for the love and care shown to S!