The COVID pandemic has dramatically intensified the demands of nursing. Patients are sicker and require more intensive treatments and care. Given the changes with visitation, patients are more isolated than ever; they are scared and separated from family and loved ones for long periods of time. This includes times where the patient is alone during end-of-life. They may have sick family members who are unable to visit, or no family members available whatsoever.
I have witnessed Brandy take the time to be with those patients and provide comfort that can only be described as purely genuine and kind. I have seen her don full COVID PPE and sit with a patient at the bedside, holding her hand, letting her know that she wasn't alone when she took her last breath. If it were my family member in that situation, I would find peace knowing that Brandy would be caring for them, providing that level of exceptional emotional and spiritual support.
Even in the most difficult of times, nurses are required to rise to the challenge and adapt to the overwhelming changes that consistently bombard them. They go above and beyond to continue providing only the best care possible, risking their own health to ensure the best outcomes for all patients they encounter. I will never forget Brandy McDougal or the way she shined during the darkest of times.