February 2022
Anna
Lauerman
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Vancouver
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Being the decision-maker for his grandpa was an unfair burden but he seemed able to carry it a little better with Anna's grace and supportive presence.
Anna took the time to sit with him and explain a patient's condition with his grandson after the patient suffered multiple cardiac arrests. She did not rush him. She answered every question with authentic compassion, knowledge, and earnest sincerity. She noticed the grandson was withdrawn and overwhelmed. She offered to help him with brushing his grandpa's hair and washing his face. This evoked tears, stories, and a deep well of emotion from the grandson. She stood with him without flinching, offering unwavering loving and caring presence. She advocated for that moment and was able to humanize what had been a frightening and impersonal setting. Being the decision-maker for his grandpa was an unfair burden but he seemed able to carry it a little better with Anna's grace and supportive presence.