Tong Ren

Tong cared for a 44 year old patient who came to the ICU after being admitted through the ED.  The patient was diagnosed with metastatic hepatocellular cancer.  His physicians told him that he had only a few days to live.  Tong cared and comforted this family beyond what words can express. 

The patient had three small children, ages 3, 4 and 8.  Knowing the severity and limited time the patient had, Tong ensured that his children saw him while he still could speak to them.  The family communicated that they were trying to get his parents here from China as soon as possible because the patient had not seen them in 13 years.  Unfortunately he was deteriorating quickly.  Tong knew how important this was and came up with an alternative for the patient.  She called I.T. and had a computer with a webcam brought up to the unit.  The patient was able to see his mother and father for the first time in 13 years.  They were able to speak to each other and share their last words together.  Tragically he passed away later that night.  But thanks to Tong, heading up the efforts of fulfilling his last wishes the patient was given the opportunity to see and speak to his parents. 

Tong truly demonstrated what compassionate nursing care is all about.  She put her heart and soul into the care of this patient and family.  The family could not express enough how much this meant to them.