Elizabeth Chouinard
July 2016
Elizabeth
Chouinard
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

My sister was recently admitted to the ICU with difficulty breathing and quickly deteriorated over 5 days. She was fortunate enough to have Liz care for her during her last 3 nights before she went to heaven. I called frequently to check on my sister, and I know that Liz was very busy, but she always took my call, and had a warm and comforting thought to share with me. Each time I spoke with Liz and she would share information that seemed worse, I was comforted by her calm and supportive manner in focusing on what they were doing to keep her comfortable. I was then able to text messages out to my entire family. I was especially touched the morning that I spoke to her and she described not only bathing my sister, but then applying lotion and giving her a foot massage. I kidded with my sister and the rest of my family that she "was getting the spa treatment". The last night that Liz cared for my sister and I called her at 5 am, she gently explained that she was not doing well, and that I should notify the rest of my family. When I arrived at the hospital, I found Liz sitting with my sister, this meant a lot to me. Even though we had not met in person before, we had spoken many times and I appreciated that she did not leave my sister alone. All of the nurses gave my sister excellent care, but Liz stands out for the connection she made with me and my family. She brought warmth and caring to our very difficult time, and for that I am eternally grateful.