Our October nomination was submitted by the manager of our Medical Respiratory Unit and is a testimony to compassionate care and teamwork displayed by members of her department. In response to the COVID pandemic, this unit was redesigned to provide negative pressure rooms and hallways as the team provided safe care to our COVID population. On 4 East, a husband and wife were hospitalized at the same time:
One of the nurses, Brooke Barnes, provided care to the wife. During that time, the wife continuously asked how her spouse was doing but did not want to call him as she said he needed to rest in order to get well. The following week Brooke took care of the husband who would sometimes get confused, but he knew for certain he needed to talk to his wife. He needed to see her, so he could know that she is okay. Brooke exhausted all efforts trying to keep this patient in bed, but the gentleman was determined to see his wife and there was no changing his mind. Brooke placed herself in the patient's situation and knew that if she could get the couple together, it would greatly benefit their psychological health and overall well-being.
Brooke worked with the spouses' nurse to allow the married couple of 47 years to have a special meal together. The lunchtime meal was set-up in the hallway on the bedside table. The patients were assisted into the hallway. The staff role-played being waiters, offering water, and assessing needs with "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra playing. The way the couple looked at each other and cried while embracing after not seeing each other for over two weeks was worth more than words could say.
This is one of our fondest memories during our COVID experiences. In times of darkness, we need to be the light. Although this was a chaotic time of uncertainty, our team still made time for what really matters, which is love and compassion.