Carla Ross
July 2021
Carla J
Ross
,
RN
Med/Surg - KS3W
WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital
Chambersburg
,
PA
United States
Carla stayed with this patient until he took his final breath.
Carla was taking care of a patient who had been on 3 West for over 2 weeks, losing his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. His oxygen needs were remaining too high, and we were unable to wean him off the Hi-Flow oxygen. The patient was completely alert and oriented and with his family, he decided to end his suffering and remove the Hi-Flow becoming comfort measures only. Carla supported this patient and his family every step of the way. She compassionately explained the process to the patient and his family as they all watched this man go from talking and smiling to an unresponsive state due to Carla weaning the Hi-Flow and carefully administering medication to allow this man to pass pain-free and with as much dignity as possible. The family decided to leave before the patient passed, so Carla stayed with this patient until he took his final breath. I know this was weighing heavy on her heart all day, so it was a blessing that she was able to be with him until the very end. To add, she stayed past her shift change so that she could take care of this patient for his final moments on this earth. Carla’s compassion and dedication to this patient were inspirational. She is an amazing nurse and I’m happy she is a part of our team.