Bethany provided care for an exceptionally sick woman in the CVICU. The patient was on six cardiac and pressor drips which required constant titration and the patient's chest had remained opened after surgery. Bethany's clinical skills are so well-developed that it was not the medical care she provided that I found to be the most exceptional, it was the personal care and attention that she gave to the family as well as her patient. When the patient's clinical status declined, Bethany took time to explain to the family what was happening. It was a difficult situation for the family to understand, especially since the situation changed so rapidly, but Bethany patiently explained each part of the clinical picture to the family. Bethany's support of the family allowed them to fully understand the medical perspective, which was incredibly important when the surgeon suggested a late night transfer to another facility. When the family informed Bethany that the patient was a hairdresser and would be embarrassed by the state of her own hair, Bethany put everything on hold to make sure that the patient's hair was brushed and styled the way the patient would have done herself. While this may seem like a tiny detail, this effort meant absolutely everything to the family. This was the only time during her hospital stay that the family got to see her "as she would have been", a gift that they were incredibly grateful for.

Bethany's shift was scheduled to end at 7pm, but she explained to me that she felt like she couldn't leave at that point. She wanted to see her work through for the sake of the patient, at least until a decision was made. When the decision was made to transport the patient late on a Sunday night, Bethany didn't hesitate for one second. She knew that it would be a long night but knew that her patient needed her. Bethany safely transported the patient to the other facility while continuing to titrate medications and push IV boluses that the patient's life depended on. After getting the patient situated in the ICU at the other facility, Bethany stayed in the waiting room with the patient's family to say goodbye. She hugged each and every member of the family and provided support unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Bethany ended up working an 18-hour shift that day. She wasn't worried about her own family, her hunger, or how long she had been there. She was simply concerned with her patient's safety and the well-being of the patient's family.



Bethany exemplified the meaning of a Mercy nurse this weekend. Her nursing competency was surpassed only by her kindness and giving spirit. I am exceptionally proud to have Bethany as a coworker and I know that her patients and their families are grateful to have her as a nurse.