February 2017
Denise
Bierbaum
,
RN
Cardiac Cath Lab
Good Samaritan Hospital
Cincinnati
,
OH
United States
A cardiac arrest occurred in the cath lab. Denise was working EP but came to assist when Code Blue was called. She assisted through the entire code and went with the physician to talk to the family (unfortunately the patient did not survive.) The daughter was very emotional and upset. She felt responsible because she talked mom into the procedure. Denise listened, put her arm around the daughter and talked with her. She said, "Tell me about your mom and how long she had felt bad. The daughter told Denise she had chest pain and symptoms for a month. Denise told the daughter - you see - this is not your fault and continued to comfort the family. Denise went above and beyond with this family. In a short time, she developed a relationship with them. Denise was supposed to leave at 5:30 pm, the end of her shift. Denise stayed to help the family. She stayed until the family all arrived to say their goodbyes and left. Denise went home at 8 pm. Denise showed empathy she was kind and compassionate and made a positive impact on this family who just lost their mother.