Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Critical Care staff has been exceptionally compassionate and caring with both patients and families. On many occasions, we have witnessed the staff discussing how difficult and frustrating it must be for families to not be able to be with their loved ones when they were sick. The staff would comment on how awful it would be for patients to die alone; surrounded by strangers and for their loved ones to never be able to say goodbye or hug them one last time.
The Critical Care nurses made it a point, a sort of pact, to ensure that no one ever died alone. Dressed in their gowns, goggles, and masks, held their hands to make sure that no patient would be alone in their last moments. They promised they'd make sure that loved ones were given the opportunity to say goodbye, even if only by phone. This team displayed many examples of extraordinary care and empathy on many occasions.
One of the first COVID-19 positive patients on the unit quickly declined and required to be intubated. His family also resulted positive for COVID-19. This meant that his wife and children would not be allowed to visit him. Before Zoom was available to help patients and families connect, the nurses would use their personal cell phones to allow the families the opportunity to speak and/or see the patient. When this particular patient's condition worsened, the family of the Catholic faith, grew worried that their loved one would not receive their last rites. The nurses helped to arrange a prayer via FaceTime with pastoral care, SW, and the family. This brought the family comfort and peace during a painful time.
On the day, this patient was removed from life support, the patient's nurse assured the family that she would not leave him alone. The nurse stayed in the room and held his hand until he passed. The patient's daughters expressed their gratitude knowing that their father's last moments were spent with someone they trusted and who they believed was a good person. They had built a relationship by phone and expressed how they were forever grateful to this nurse and to our entire staff.
Our first successful extubating of a COVID-19 positive patient was a great celebration. The family was saddened that they were not allowed to visit the patient, but beyond thankful for the staff's support. The patient had multiple failed attempts at extubation before it actually happened. The wife and son experienced a roller coaster of emotions. They were excited that the patient was ready to breathe on his own but devastated that they could not be there to show their love and support. The nurses arranged for a Zoom call to allow the wife and son the opportunity to be there with him during the extubation and watch how the entire team celebrated that moment. Both wife and son watched on with tears in their eyes.
Another example of compassionate care was displayed with one of the first patients to receive Convalescent plasma and successfully transfer out of Critical Care. After the patient was extubated, the staff would meet his family outside and pick up his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. His family wanted him to know that they were doing what they could for him by bringing him his favorite meals. The staff would take turns meeting them, no matter how busy their shift was. When this patient was able to transfer out of the unit, the hospital staff lined up in the hallway to celebrate his recovery and transition. Staff lined the halls and his family was invited to participate and watch as everyone cheered the patient and wished him well.
The family was moved by this gesture and beyond grateful of the DH staff. The family in return wanted to find a way to thank the DH staff and coordinated a parade to celebrate our hospital and the amazing employees that contributed to their father's success story. The ICU staff wanted to make sure the patient knew what his family was doing, not only to celebrate the staff but to also encourage him to be strong and show their support for him. Staff recorded the entire parade so that he could later watch it, but they also stayed in the room and Zoomed while it was happening. After the parade, the nurses remained in the room with the family via Zoom and allowed the patient to tell each of them how touched he was for their gesture of gratitude and support.
We are incredibly thankful for our amazing nurses, clinical partners, Dollys, Marla, our wonderful SW Lily Mestre, the nurses that have temporarily left their units to help us: Trina, Julie, Mercedes, Jessica, Victor, Nataccia, Emilia, Natalie, Sajila. Our Respiratory Team. To the fantastic trio: Dr. Levine, Dr. Gonzalez, and Dr. Penaranda.
This team has displayed care, compassion, teamwork, and determination to deliver exceptional care to their patients. In a time when it is difficult to be inclusive, they have taken the time and found ways to include loved ones and provide peace of mind. They are true patient and family advocates. These acts of pure kindness made an everlasting impact on our patients' and their families' lives. We couldn't be prouder of the incredible team that cared for some of the sickest patients in this hospital.