Sandra Villagomez
February 2025
Sandra
Villagomez
,
RN
5A ICU
Johnston-Willis Hospital
Richmond
,
VA
United States
After the code, she took it upon herself to print the rhythm strip of the patient who had passed away, cut it, and place it in a heart-shaped glass jar, giving it to the family as a keepsake.
Sandra recently went from night shift to day shift, but her support for the night crew hasn’t stopped. Recently, after leaving her UBC and onboarding committee meetings, she noticed how heavy the unit was with high acuity and a 1:1 patient present. She decided to find scrubs around the unit, borrowing a shirt from a co-worker, and changed out of her street clothes quickly. Thankfully, she was present and took on the role of the recorder during the code blue later that night. After the code, she took it upon herself to print the rhythm strip of the patient who had passed away, cut it, and place it in a heart-shaped glass jar, giving it to the family as a keepsake. She also provided an ink pad upon their request so that they could make a handprint on their jackets across the heart. She was present to comfort and support both her family and coworkers. As her previous preceptor, I am so proud of the nurse she has become. As a coworker, I am so grateful for what Sandra brings to the team. We miss her on the night shift, but look forward to what she can provide for the day shift.