Katie Renninger

Not too long ago I checked in with the lead nurse on 4N regarding a pending wound care consult as I commonly do. The lead nurse explained that she did not feel that the consult was needed because the patient was actively dying, but that I should check with the patients assigned nurse our own Mrs. Katie Renninger to confirm. I did not know what to expect after hearing Katie say, ‘come in’ through the patient’s door.  Upon entering the room I saw Katie intimately sharing smiles, memories and tears with a family as their patriarch took his last breaths. All the family could do through the tears was tell me how much they appreciated Katie’s care and understanding during this difficult time. It was an honor to see Katie so graciously and lovingly support this family through the dying process. I vowed after leaving the room that I would not let Katie’s efforts go unrecognized. It is all too familiar for me to see the dying process as a ‘code’ situation in the hospital setting. Nurses like Katie share an emotional connection with their patients and their families that allows such a special invitation to share in their loved ones last and final moments of life.