Elisa Youngman
March 2017
Elisa
Youngman
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Cardiovascular ICU
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland
,
OR
United States

 

 

 

Elisa Youngman agreed to help me insert a foley catheter in a female patient. What I did not expect is that she would fill the patient's room with warmth, and compassion which would brighten both of our days. With the help of Elisa, we were able to insert the patient's foley and complete wound care for a massive wound on her left thigh with no problem. During this time we carried on a lovely conversation with my patient and inquired about what we thought made us each unique. Elisa confessed to us that she had been an opera singer in school and that she didn't sing much anymore. This patient is an avid Christmas music fan whose Christian faith is the thing that provides her comfort in what may be the end of her life. Once Elisa found these two things out she went on to sing 'O Holy Night' in the most magical and magnificent way to my patient who closed her eyes and was at peace for a few moments. The act brought both my patient and me into a tearful moment.
Elisa went above and beyond in this moment when she shared one of her gifts with us to brighten my patient's day. I know that I will never forget about this moment and I am sure my patient feels the same way.