A patient on our unit was withdrawing from alcohol and had end-stage liver disease. The patient was also experiencing mental status changes related to the alcohol abuse. This patient was often combative and inappropriate. Donna worked with the patient for a few days and the patient always seemed soothed when in her care.
The family of the patient was also present and visibly tired, both physically and emotionally from the patient's illness. Donna worked diligently to help this patient maintain dignity in the final days. She would often help the patient bathe, primp and present themselves in a manner so as to ease the pain of such a trying time.
Donna remained at the patient's bedside and helped the patient and family through what had to have been one of the hardest times of their lives. She was there to offer a comforting hand, shoulder to cry on and, at times, a smile to lighten the mood. It is in these final moments that the family expressed their utmost gratitude for the level of care Donna provided. They knew exactly why Donna had chosen to become a nurse.