Debbie Herlevic

Nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center are encouraged to "journal" their accomplishments to remind themselves and others of how meaningful compassionate patient care can influence the lives of so many. Here is Debbie's journal entry:

Even though when we die we are going to see the face of God, I believe that the transition should be made with the support of others. I recently had an elderly gentleman that was making that journey. Even though he had a family, they were not able to stay at the hospital all the time. When he started to decline, I called the family and they said that they would come, but were slow in returning to the hospital. When I realized the family would not make it in time, I went into his room, held his hand and prayed with him. The family arrived soon after the patient passed away, but I was able to comfort them with the thought that he had not died alone. His death was very peaceful and the family was grateful.