Mary C Swift
January 2025
Mary C
Swift
,
BA, BSN, RN, CCRN
PICU
Children's Respite Care Center
Omaha
,
NE
United States
Her words, though quiet, carried immense power and provided this patient's soul with dignity: she validated this child's worth, telling them how they were perfect just as they were, despite the injuries that had brought her to our care.
In a profession where empathy can often feel like a burden, this nurse left her heart open and shattered the boundaries of conventional empathy. Instead of seeing a broken and lifeless body, she began pouring every ounce of love into their precious souls. Knowing that they still deserved tender care, she made sure to give them moments to cherish, being unafraid of the emotional weight she might carry beyond these hospital walls.
On one occasion, her unwavering love for her 4-week-old patient during their last day of life, leading up to the moment of organ donation, I watched outside the room as she cradled this precious soul with tenderness and protected her from what she could in her role as her nurse. From the experience I discuss here shortly, I know she silently communicated affirming words as I heartbrokenly watched her wheel her crib during her hero walk.
Without her knowing, her actions conveyed a sense of safety and an unspoken reassurance that this child was deeply cherished. I say this with certainty as the following week, a 2-week-old was, unfortunately, suffering from the same tragic fate. Although not assigned to this patient and after she had already undergone one positive brain death examination, Mary approached this child with the same kindness, empathy, and genuine love that defines her practice.
Luckily for me, I was able to witness and experience this raw moment. While in the room with tears still dwelling in my eyes, staring at the book I had just read, titled "I Love You Like No Otter," Mary softly whispered as gently as I watched her rest her comforting hand on the infant's tiny head. Her words, though quiet, carried immense power and provided this patient's soul with dignity: she validated this child's worth, telling them how they were perfect just as they were, despite the injuries that had brought her to our care.
Her actions were not part of an assigned duty but came from the depths of her heart. She recognized the importance of not only alleviating physical suffering but also addressing the subconscious grief that these patients endure. Even after this tender moment, she still extended her compassion beyond the bedside; she saw my tearful eyes and turned her attention to me with understanding. She validated my emotions and offered her listening ear, hearing my feelings and providing solace in a moment of overwhelming sorrow. This ability to connect with both our patients and staff with such authenticity is a rare and beautiful gift.
On one occasion, her unwavering love for her 4-week-old patient during their last day of life, leading up to the moment of organ donation, I watched outside the room as she cradled this precious soul with tenderness and protected her from what she could in her role as her nurse. From the experience I discuss here shortly, I know she silently communicated affirming words as I heartbrokenly watched her wheel her crib during her hero walk.
Without her knowing, her actions conveyed a sense of safety and an unspoken reassurance that this child was deeply cherished. I say this with certainty as the following week, a 2-week-old was, unfortunately, suffering from the same tragic fate. Although not assigned to this patient and after she had already undergone one positive brain death examination, Mary approached this child with the same kindness, empathy, and genuine love that defines her practice.
Luckily for me, I was able to witness and experience this raw moment. While in the room with tears still dwelling in my eyes, staring at the book I had just read, titled "I Love You Like No Otter," Mary softly whispered as gently as I watched her rest her comforting hand on the infant's tiny head. Her words, though quiet, carried immense power and provided this patient's soul with dignity: she validated this child's worth, telling them how they were perfect just as they were, despite the injuries that had brought her to our care.
Her actions were not part of an assigned duty but came from the depths of her heart. She recognized the importance of not only alleviating physical suffering but also addressing the subconscious grief that these patients endure. Even after this tender moment, she still extended her compassion beyond the bedside; she saw my tearful eyes and turned her attention to me with understanding. She validated my emotions and offered her listening ear, hearing my feelings and providing solace in a moment of overwhelming sorrow. This ability to connect with both our patients and staff with such authenticity is a rare and beautiful gift.