On a day recently, Colleen demonstrated our values of compassion and team. A patient came to the ED early in the morning with heart-related complications. Her family was notified, and it was understood they would arrive later in the morning. Before they arrived, the patient coded and passed in the ED close to shift change.
The overnight physician stayed over his shift in caring for the patient and family had not yet arrived. Eventually, he went off shift and requested the new ED physician to meet with the family to discuss the patient's care and eventual death. When the family finally arrived, sometime after 7 or 8 am, that physician was involved in 2 different traumas and unable to meet the family at that time.
Not wanting the family to be kept waiting about the status of their loved one, Colleen stepped up and assisted the ED by being the one to deliver the tragic news. I witnessed her do so with professionalism and great compassion. As the family grieved, she stayed with them as long as possible answering whatever questions she could. She showed true compassion and teamwork.