Our unit witnessed a young patient with an insurmountable disease process and a nurse who made the last day of this patient’s life on earth less frightening, less painful, special in every way, and memorable for them both.

This patient passed away at approximately 0730 in the morning. From start to finish of a long 13-hour shift, Brayden Fowler was by the patient’s side. He and our amazing RT took the time to coordinate taking the patient outside to see the sky one last time. The patient was maxed on high-flow oxygen and a non-rebreather, requiring an additional two oxygen tanks to be delivered to the lobby during their trip. Despite the logistical challenges, the meaning behind that experience made it more than worth it.

Our unit has a Cozy Cart, which provides amenities to help patients feel less like a patient and more at home, helping to decrease anxiety and depression and bring a little extra joy to their stay. Brayden used a projector to display a galaxy scene, stars, and calming lights throughout the room. He diligently managed the patient’s persistent need for medication to ease constant shortness of breath and escalating anxiety. He advocated for additional and alternative treatments. He offered the patient reading and coloring materials. He kept the door open when the patient felt anxious and claustrophobic.

Most importantly, Brayden did not look at the patient with pity. Instead, he connected with them through stories from his own life. At one point, I personally went to check on the patient after noticing a significant drop in oxygen saturation. Upon opening the door, I found Brayden sitting in a folding chair beside the patient’s bed. At first, I thought the patient was crying, but after listening for a moment, I realized they were laughing. Their conversation may have centered on difficult topics, but Brayden was ensuring the patient felt seen as a person—not as a dying patient. They spoke about the hard realities and truths of being sick, topics many find difficult to face, let alone discuss with such vulnerability.

During the early hours of Sunday morning, Brayden personally called the patient’s family, recognizing that the end of their fight was approaching. Provider shift change came and went, but Brayden remained steadfast, administering medications to ease the patient’s transition. The patient’s family arrived, and the patient passed soon after.

Nursing shift change also came and went, but Brayden never left the room. He greeted the family. He stayed focused. He never wavered and ensured that, no matter what, the patient never felt alone or forgotten in the face of circumstances that could not be changed.

This is why we do this job. This is the epitome of a great nurse and an exceptional human being. Brayden showed the utmost compassion to someone who needed it most and demonstrated to everyone on our unit what it truly means to make an impact on a patient’s life.

I know I will never forget his strength and compassion during this shift, and I’m sure neither will he. Most importantly, neither will that patient or their family. It is an honor to work alongside Brayden, and he should be celebrated for the remarkable nurse and person that he is.