When it comes to death, it can be a tricky and difficult situation to handle as a Nurse. However, nurses have to put their own emotions aside for the family, to be the rock and strong person a family needs. Every time a patient passes away, there is deep emotional sadness that is hard to understand. What does mean the most in this time of heartache is what is done behind the scenes. It is the job that is done for the family that makes the world of difference, which can turn any horrible/tragic situation into an opportunity, or time, to give thanks for life. This is a chance to give the family something to remember.
Cheryl Luttrell from MICU has gone above and beyond to help families cope with death. Cheryl, with her own money, buys books called "The Next Place". In this book she puts messages of hope and inspiration to help families cope with their loss. Not only that, but she puts a hand print of the deceased in the book as a personal keepsake, as a token and appreciation of life. Finally she sends these books to the family of the deceased. She may never see the family again, or even hear of what the book meant to the many families she has touched. This is such a burden for just one person to carry and deliver to so many families. However, when it comes to the type of nurses we have at UMC, Cheryl exemplifies and exceeds all expectations. She is a wonderful team player, care provider, emotional support provider, and overall Nurse. The sacrifices made certainly do not go unnoticed, but show us the true nature of the person called Nurse Cheryl.