It is my desire to recognize what kind of Nurse Caitlyn was to my father during his last days. Caitlyn did an outstanding job in making sure my family and I felt comforted during my father's transition. We wanted the best care for my father during his last hours and because of that we were constantly asking questions and requesting quality care, and Nurse Caitlyn exceeded our expectations by being attentive and following through with our wants and needs for my father. She went above and beyond during her work day to care for my father by staying past her shift. We were truly fortunate that we had Caitlyn as my father's nurse as she presented compassion and kindness towards us all. Thank you for all you do Caitlyn!
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My uncle who was battling cancer made the decision to seek comfort measures only. I am an RN as well and I knew that day may be his last day, and it was. Caitlyn was his nurse on that day. There are not enough words to describe the gratitude my family has for this wonderful nurse. His wife said it best, Caitlyn was his "angel." She truly was heaven sent. She kept us informed about any updates or changes throughout the day, was a facilitator in getting our questions or requests to doctors. I know she had other patients, but never once did we feel that she was too busy to provide care for my uncle or to listen to our concerns. She understood the sensitivity of the situation. It was to be my uncle's last day, and we had a large group of family members who wanted to be by his side. Caitlyn was able to get us extra chairs and even provided a cart with refreshments and snacks. For me, Caitlyn enabled me to not feel helpless as a nurse and a family member. She gave me the opportunity to contribute to my uncle's care. She allowed me to give him oral care, reposition him comfortably in the bed, and be a liaison between my family and staff. As the day turned to night and we were nearing the end of hershift, I was concerned about who would resume care for the night. I voiced my concerns to Caitlyn as I felt we were in the last hours. She went and spoke with her charge. When she came back she told me that she would be staying with us for a few more hours. I was gratefully shocked! I know what means to work a 12hr day. For her to offer to stay longer when she didn't have to was beyond expectation, and tenderhearted. She gave us that continuity and compassion. She stayed for as late as she was allowed. When she came again to tell us she could no longer stay and introduced us to the nurse who was taking over, my uncle who was as comfortable as could be took his last breaths. Not to say the oncoming staff wouldn't have provided good care, but I'm glad she was with us to the end. It was peaceful. This compassionate, attentive, well-spoken, extraordinary nurse has an amazing career ahead of her. I hope to carry forward the compassion she gave my uncle and my family in my own practice.
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Caitlyn was taking care of a patient that decided to be placed on Banner's Inpatient Hospice Unit. Upon waiting for a bed, it became evident that the patient's health was deteriorating rapidly and moving the patient would not be ideal for both the patient and his family. Caitlyn spent 12 hours building a rapport with this patient and family and did not want to leave them at the end of his life to be taken care from a nurse they had not yet met. Caitlyn ordered a bereavement cart and stayed 2 hours after her shift to administer comfort medications every 30 minutes. As the patient's wife was hugging Caitlyn to thank her for staying, the patient slipped away. The family was appreciative of the care and compassion that Caitlyn had shown them.