I overheard Elisa Toth talking to a patient while I was waiting for report the other day. She was talking to a patient that had a tumor pressing on his throat and his oxygen levels would drop with any movement. This patient desperately needed a trach placed to save his life. However, this person had been refusing this procedure for a while, probably because he was scared for what life would be like after.
Elisa showed compassion by calmly explaining what it would be like to have a trach placed electively versus emergently. She gave him knowledge and courage. He opened up and asked her questions and she had a caring answer for all of them. This patient ended up agreeing to have a trach placed and it happened that day. Through compassionate care, Elisa saved his life.
To save a life as a nurse, you don't have to bring someone back from the dead. You just need to give them what they really need. This patient needed courage and an advocate, which is what Elisa was for this patient.