Vanessa Vuljaj
February 2025
Vanessa
Vuljaj
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
Henry Ford Warren Hospital
Warren
,
MI
United States
She maintained the utmost professionalism throughout the day, leading the ‘Walk of Honor’ for the patient to the operating room.
We had a patient in the intensive care unit who had been receiving care for two weeks and was working with Gift of Life as an organ donor, as the clinical picture was leading the patient’s family towards deciding to pursue comfort care and organ donation. Vanessa was the patient’s nurse on their final day before organ procurement. Throughout the day, Vanessa ensured that the needs of both the patient and their family members were met in a truly supportive manner. She also worked diligently to take the necessary steps promptly to meet the requirements of Gift of Life. She maintained the utmost professionalism throughout the day, leading the ‘Walk of Honor’ for the patient to the operating room. She guided with grace and supported the family through their loved one’s last moments, even in a stressful and dramatic environment. Vanessa was devoted to the care of both the patient and their family throughout this experience, exemplifying what a nurse should strive to be in the ICU.