I was the House manager the day that B died, and spent about 2 hours with the family and nurse Sarah related to her
death. I was approached by the patient's mother and aunt, wanting to recognize the staff who had impacted the family, and
B. Sarah Hinson was the nurse that particular day and had cared for her for several days in CTVU. The family was
appreciative of the medical care, the clinical expertise, and the nurses, and they felt that everyone had done everything
possible to save B.
The most important thing they wanted to share was that they had never experienced humankindness until being at SJH.
Sarah was a big part of that. The Aunt and Mom stated they did not know people like her still existed in this world. Her
ability to treat them with kindness, compassion, and empathy was extraordinary. Sarah and E (her extern) had allowed
the patient's children to call on the phone and talk to her, sing to her, even when the patient was on a ventilator and unable
to respond. Anticipating her death, they had purchased small clear bottles, and she and E put several EKG strips in those
bottles for the family, made fingerprints on sheets of paper, and printed copies for many family members. When B
passed, they cut her hair and placed it in many small boxes that the chaplain had given to the family. Sarah had told the family
she wanted the children to have something to remember about their mother. Sarah was not only present for the patient, but it
was not unusual to see her in the room hugging the family, crying with them, laughing, and allowing them to tell stories. As
the family told me of this, and I watched Sarah interact with the family and patient, it was obvious to see and feel exactly how
she had impacted this patient's family. Sarah embellished humankindness, and this family will never forget that.
***
Sarah has been so wonderful caring for my Dad! She stays on top of things and explains things, and is kind and caring! Sarah is a
true joy to be around during such a scary time.
Sarah has been caring for my dad. She has been so helpful with everything. She checks on him and makes sure she is there
when a provider comes around to make sure we understand everything going on. On top of the great care she is giving my
dad, she also checks in on the rest of the family every time she is in the room.