Bridget Manahan, BSN, RN

Bridget’s patient was admitted to the ICU following a transplant and, as a result, was unable to attend his daughter’s wedding. With assistance from other staff RNs, Bridget decorated his room and the door, gave him a fresh shave, and draped sheets over the medical equipment to minimize the appearance of a hospital room. They coordinated with the family to live-stream parts of the reception and ceremony so that the patient could be involved. After the ceremony, his daughter and family arrived to celebrate and take photos. She coordinated all of the SICU staff to welcome the family and make it feel like a celebratory event, and the patient was so grateful. He even wanted her in the photos, as she was part of the family. In a difficult setting, Bridget was able to bring smiles and tears to everyone involved and bring joy to the family. Not everyone would go to such lengths, and these efforts, given the acuity of the ICU and the number of tasks our nurses handle on a day-to-day basis, are appreciated, but she balanced all her responsibilities with ease and went above and beyond to make it a beautiful day for the patient and his family. Bridget exemplifies generosity and empathy, and UCM is lucky to have her caring for patients.