2S TEAM Nurses Connect Patient/Family During Pandemic
June 2021
2S TEAM Nurses Connect Patient/Family During Pandemic
Neuro/Trauma ICU
Bryan Medical Center
Lincoln
,
NE
United States
Kaitlin Rogge, RN
Missy Bartels, RN
Tess Lesoing, RN
(Plus all the other RN's and ancillary department staff who submitted letters).

 

 

 

Many of the ICU staff made the 90-mile trip to attend the visitation as a way to show respect.
This story all started with S, a COVID patient, in our ICU for approximately 70 days. S had a personality that drew him to our hearts from day one; everyone became attached. We shared stories and learned so much about him and his family, as he did about all of us. All but the last couple of days of his life he was coherent, communicative, and interactive. A long relationship developed.

Because of COVID restrictions and other family obligations, it was difficult for S to spend time with his family. The ICU staff stepped in and became his encouragers, cheerleaders, and helped keep his hopes alive. We lifted his spirits as much as he lifted us. The trips outdoors were a challenge because of the amount of oxygen and monitoring but we had to bring him to his “office.” He was a farmer and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. He would not let anyone leave the room without thanking them.

The passing was traumatic and felt by all because of the level of attachment we had with S. Many of the ICU staff made the 90-mile trip to attend the visitation as a way to show respect. Memorial money raised $1,400 in S’s honor. Kaitlin Rogge was in charge of making a scrapbook of letters written by staff as a tribute to our time with S. A couple of months after his passing, a group met up with his wife to give her the scrapbook.