Nicole "Nikki" Giammarino
February 2025
Nicole "Nikki"
Giammarino
,
BSN, RN
Neuro Spine Intensive Care Unit
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago
,
IL
United States
The death of a parent is never easy, but Nikki was the most empathetic and caring person to make the situation just that much easier.
My Mom was transferred to the NSICU from an external hospital and had unfortunately passed away due to multi-organ system failure. When the doctors had come to give me the bad news that I would have to make the decision to pull my Mom off life support, I had been alone without any family support. However, Nikki had been right there providing exceptional life-saving care for my Mom and also emotional support and care to me.
My Mom had many admissions to NMH, where we saw great nurses provide care for my mom; however, Nikki stood out amongst the rest. She understood the need to not only take care of patients, but also their caretakers.
Despite the removal of life-sustaining devices, my Mom remained with us for over 24 hours, and I stayed awake with her for each hour. When Nikki came in the next morning, she had gotten me food, coffee, and she would even stay with my Mom if I needed to step away for just a second.
The death of a parent is never easy, but Nikki was the most empathetic and caring person to make the situation just that much easier. In the moments when I was alone with my Mom, Nikki never let me feel as if I were alone. When my Mom eventually passed, she was right there with her hand on my shoulder to support me. Nikki truly is a remarkable nurse who fully exemplifies what it means to be a healthcare worker.
My Mom had many admissions to NMH, where we saw great nurses provide care for my mom; however, Nikki stood out amongst the rest. She understood the need to not only take care of patients, but also their caretakers.
Despite the removal of life-sustaining devices, my Mom remained with us for over 24 hours, and I stayed awake with her for each hour. When Nikki came in the next morning, she had gotten me food, coffee, and she would even stay with my Mom if I needed to step away for just a second.
The death of a parent is never easy, but Nikki was the most empathetic and caring person to make the situation just that much easier. In the moments when I was alone with my Mom, Nikki never let me feel as if I were alone. When my Mom eventually passed, she was right there with her hand on my shoulder to support me. Nikki truly is a remarkable nurse who fully exemplifies what it means to be a healthcare worker.