Brian Roshon
August 2018
Brian
Roshon
,
BSN, RN,
Surgical ICU
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, University Hospital
Columbus
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

Brian Roshon has worked in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) for over 8 years. In that time, he has touched countless lives. Most notably, he has profoundly touched the lives of our burn patients.
Brian has had a personal experience with burn trauma which has left him with genuine empathy and compassion for his patients that is unmatched. Recently, Brian was caring for a burn patient who had spent nearly 3 months in the SICU. In addition, the patient's wife was by his side, enduring a multitude of emotions including; incredible sadness, stress, and worry.
After multiple surgeries, setbacks, and severe delirium, the patient improved and he and his wife were finally cognizant of the extent of his injuries and the extremely lengthy recovery ahead of him. The patient became very depressed and was in great need of some positivity and an indication that he would get better, get stronger and return to his life.
Living in the SICU for 3 months can be isolating, only seeing the walls around you, your family and the staff. Brian had an idea. Since the patient was tolerating a regular diet, Brian decided to get his patient out of the SICU, even if for a short time, to allow him to engage in the outside world. So, Brian made it happen.
Brian made arrangements to take his patient accompanied by his wife to Panera for a meal. This trip out of the SICU was liberating and uplifting for his patient and wife, a glimpse of normalcy that they wanted desperately. The patient could then see what he was working for, that he would eventually return to the life he once knew.
Finally, there was hope. It was this simple act of thinking outside the box, recognizing and putting his patient's needs first that tremendously impacted the patient and family. Brian's patient was transferred out of the SICU to a regular room in the burn unit, is up walking and doing extremely well. He is currently awaiting placement into a rehabilitation facility. Even though the patient has left the SICU, Brian continues to visit with his patient, letting him know he is still cared for even after leaving our unit.