Meghan K McTernan
May 2024
Meghan K
McTernan
,
BSN, RN
Burn Trauma Unit
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Norfolk
,
VA
United States
Meghan's impact on our lives will always be remembered. Meghan truly became like family to us, and she will always be part of Mom's story.
Our mother, 76- year-old, was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She had been involved in a head-on vehicle collision coming home from a long weekend in Buxton with family and friends.
Our journey at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital lasted 115 days, around 90 of those days in the Burn Trauma Unit (BTU). This is where Meghan McTernan came into our lives. Meghan was scheduled as Mom's registered nurse every Friday to Sunday for almost her entire time in the BTU.
Everything was frightening to us as we watched Mom fight for her life. We went through so many challenges, setbacks, and improvements. Through it all, Meghan was there, working tirelessly and helping us understand her issues. She explained things to us, sometimes more than once. We cried, shared some laughs, had special conversations, and celebrated accomplishments that we will never forget. For many weeks, we saw Meghan more than we saw our own family members. She was concerned about each of us as we went through our own emotional ups and downs. She saw us at our best and at our worst, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Mom's case was very complex; Meghan is a highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate nurse. She thoughtfully made decisions that positively impacted Mom's recovery. Meghan grew to know Mom's lengthy chart and always had her best interest at heart in all her actions. On numerous occasions, she advocated for Mom by making recommendations for her treatment plan. Mom also has a complex wound, and Meghan used creativity and critical thinking skills when managing wound care.
One of the first times Mom opened her eyes, she had a tear fall from her eye. Meghan leaned down close to Mom and softy spoke encouragement to her as she wiped her tear. That was one of the sweetest moments we've ever witnessed. It meant so much for Meghan to comfort Mom in her distress.
Meghan always uplifted and motivated Mom to fight for her life and offered ways to improve each day. One day in July, Meghan noticed Mom has been feeling down and not acting like herself. With approval, Meghan facilitated a plan to take her outside for sunshine and fresh air. It was not an easy task, but Meghan made this happen. It touched our hearts that she would go to such efforts, above and beyond her job duties, to brighten Mom's day.
This journey was a whirlwind. There were so many highs, lows, sleepless nights, uncertainties, and decisions to be made in a short period of time. Meghan's impact on our lives will always be remembered. Meghan truly became like family to us, and she will always be part of Mom's story.
After leaving Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Mom was in inpatient rehab for a month. After 143 days since the accident, Mom was discharged and is continuing her recovery at her home. Mom still has a long road ahead of her, a road of healing and continued rehab, but Meghan will always be part of Mom's story.
Our journey at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital lasted 115 days, around 90 of those days in the Burn Trauma Unit (BTU). This is where Meghan McTernan came into our lives. Meghan was scheduled as Mom's registered nurse every Friday to Sunday for almost her entire time in the BTU.
Everything was frightening to us as we watched Mom fight for her life. We went through so many challenges, setbacks, and improvements. Through it all, Meghan was there, working tirelessly and helping us understand her issues. She explained things to us, sometimes more than once. We cried, shared some laughs, had special conversations, and celebrated accomplishments that we will never forget. For many weeks, we saw Meghan more than we saw our own family members. She was concerned about each of us as we went through our own emotional ups and downs. She saw us at our best and at our worst, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Mom's case was very complex; Meghan is a highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate nurse. She thoughtfully made decisions that positively impacted Mom's recovery. Meghan grew to know Mom's lengthy chart and always had her best interest at heart in all her actions. On numerous occasions, she advocated for Mom by making recommendations for her treatment plan. Mom also has a complex wound, and Meghan used creativity and critical thinking skills when managing wound care.
One of the first times Mom opened her eyes, she had a tear fall from her eye. Meghan leaned down close to Mom and softy spoke encouragement to her as she wiped her tear. That was one of the sweetest moments we've ever witnessed. It meant so much for Meghan to comfort Mom in her distress.
Meghan always uplifted and motivated Mom to fight for her life and offered ways to improve each day. One day in July, Meghan noticed Mom has been feeling down and not acting like herself. With approval, Meghan facilitated a plan to take her outside for sunshine and fresh air. It was not an easy task, but Meghan made this happen. It touched our hearts that she would go to such efforts, above and beyond her job duties, to brighten Mom's day.
This journey was a whirlwind. There were so many highs, lows, sleepless nights, uncertainties, and decisions to be made in a short period of time. Meghan's impact on our lives will always be remembered. Meghan truly became like family to us, and she will always be part of Mom's story.
After leaving Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Mom was in inpatient rehab for a month. After 143 days since the accident, Mom was discharged and is continuing her recovery at her home. Mom still has a long road ahead of her, a road of healing and continued rehab, but Meghan will always be part of Mom's story.