Domenica has always been an amazing nurse. She genuinely loves her job and it shines through her. Her patients and the families are often found laughing and joking with her and remember her compassion, respect, kindness, as well as her strength. She has always advocated for her patients and others without a second thought.
Recently, I had a really busy and complicated day. I had a patient who was so ill that we had maxed out on all available medication options and were turning to use CRRT as a process to try to save him. As a favor, knowing Domenica, I called her on her cell phone. I knew she had been visiting her father who had been ill, but I just needed someone to talk to me through all I needed to know. She is the resource that we often turn to in the ICU.
She answered on the first ring and answered what can I do? Even though she had just flown back from Texas she came in to help me with this patient. As tired as she was, she guided me through a very complicated and challenging patient. She was a terrific team member and nurse. This day she came in was also her 10th anniversary here at GSH.
Unfortunately, my patient passed away. She took the time to also teach a new nurse I was orienting that when one of our patients passes, out of respect for the person and the family, it is Domenica's practice to give a full bath. She will put music on the patient loved and treat him like she as she likes to say "my own family". She explains that we take a moment for every death and remember that they (the patient) are more than the medicines we give, and the procedures we do, they are a soul that needs to be honored and respected. It is our duty to help preserve their dignity.
I need to say thank you for reminding me that it is ok to cry and remember that the grieving families are lost and we are often the light bearers who have to help them through this horrible time.