Olivia Lynn
December 2025
Olivia
Lynn
,
BSN, RN
W2
Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Northampton
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

She fed us and gave water to our 12-year-old Golden Retriever, who was very close to my brother.
This story is written through the eyes of a family member but the heart of a retired nurse from Mass General Hospital. My brother was able to have 8 years living with Multiple Myeloma thanks to advancements in the disease developed by MGH physicians. CDH was his safe place with caring staff and expert care. We knew that he was nearing the end of the available treatments. But we were not ready. He was admitted to CDH, which was where he passed away. The care given to him by everyone was outstanding, but one nurse made the experience holistic. That was Olivia. She cared for all of us with deep compassion. She anticipated his needs as he was passing, but allowed us all the time we needed. She hugged us when she saw a look that prompted support. She fed us and gave water to our 12-year-old Golden Retriever, who was very close to my brother. When M passed, she told us she would stay past her shift to deliver love and dignity to his final time on the unit. Nurses are able to make an instant connection with a family in their darkest time, and Olivia embodies that ability. It is a gift, and we were more than lucky to have her step into our lives to guide us to a peaceful passing.