My 91-year-old mother was taken to the IU West Emergency Room. She was in respiratory failure and clearly declining. Nurse Meagan spent time with us in the room, sharing the conversations she had with my mother when she was lucid and we had not yet arrived. It was comforting knowing Mom had a sensitive, caring nurse while she lay frightened in the emergency room, surrounded by strangers.

While waiting for a hospice evaluation, it became evident that my mom's transition was rapidly approaching. The physician came in and gently explained her failing condition, our options, and what we could expect over the next few hours. We made the decision to provide comfort measures and remove the forced oxygen, knowing that once Mom started breathing room air, she would pass within an hour or so.

As Meagan gave care, she continued to speak to my mother in a sweet, comforting tone, even though she knew my mom could not respond. Meagan interacted with my mom like it was her own grandmother, not just another stranger in an ER bed. Meagan had other patients, but she balanced those responsibilities with checking in with us frequently, while also allowing us the private time we needed with our dying mom.

Meagan came into the room and compassionately told us, “It was happening.” She stayed in the room, almost invisibly, as Mom peacefully passed away. After the physician officially called the time of death, he generously offered to pray with us. Meagan stayed in the room at the foot of the bed, with her hands on my mom, and wept during the prayer. This was a genuine show of emotion and underscored the compassion and respect that she exhibited toward my mom and our family.

Meagan then explained she would contact the coroner and funeral home, and that we could take all the time we needed in the room. The impact she had on our family that day was beyond all expectation. Meagan went above and beyond, showed genuine compassion, and provided us comfort in a very difficult time. She is an asset to the IU West Emergency Room.