Asma Salem 2025, BSN, RN

There was a patient on the adult floor who had been in an accident, and the ICU had to proceed with brain death testing. The patient was leaving behind an 8-year-old son. The primary nurse called the PICU to inquire about obtaining bereavement support. Our typical policy is to accept only pediatric patients, and only during weekdays when our Child Life Team is present. However, Asma did not accept that as an answer. She wanted to provide this child with as many memories of his mom as possible. She called our child life specialist to access bereavement supplies, secured permission to unlock the door, and coordinated with the charge nurse to help with the ultrasound. We went to the MICU to record the patient's heartbeats, obtain fingerprints, and place a lock of hair in a box. Asma took great care to ensure that the heartbeat was clear and didn't sound grainy. She made sure the stuffed animal was small enough for the child to bring to school. The dad and son walked in while we were finalizing the recording. Asma handed the stuffed animal to the dad, and tears fell down his face as he hugged it and heard her heartbeat. It was a heartwarming experience to provide the family with something tangible to take home after they said goodbye. I was inspired by Asma to start a bereavement team for adults with children at our hospital. I'm so glad she was determined to get it done.