It is not breaking news that the hospital - including the ICU has been bursting at the seams for months. The ICU staff has consistently risen to the occasion, caring for the most critical and vulnerable patients in a professional, respectful and competent way. Recently we had one of those critical patients, suffering from a second cardiac arrest - vented, lined and on multiple drugs - requiring constant supervision and critical thinking. Aliesha was his nurse - she established a warm, interpersonal relationship with the family. His wife knew that the end was near and Aliesha educated and updated the family throughout the night. Married for 63 years - the wife just wanted to climb into the bed and hold him just one last time. The nominator assisted in helping the frail woman into the small space below the vent tubing but tucked just right into his chest with his arm wrapped around her. As I looked up, I wondered why no one else was speaking. Aliesha's eyes were filled with tears and as another nurse stated - "this is a scene I will never forget".
One small act with such a great impact. So thank you to Aliesha Lynch for making me remember why I wanted to be a nurse 35 years ago and reminding me that we can and do make a difference in peoples' lives. Aliesha is an Extraordinary Nurse.