Lizzy King
April 2020
Elizabeth
King
,
BSN, RN
7 Trauma
Parkland Health & Hospital System
As Lizzy sang Amazing Grace, I had goosebumps. The provider standing at the bedside with us became teary-eyed. It was as if time had stopped and the hustle and bustle of the TCU were muted to hear Lizzy sing.
As nurses, the moment we receive our Nursing Pin during graduation, we commit to taking care of people at their worst. We commit to looking past co-morbidities and seeing the value of every person entrusted to our care. We commit to doing no harm and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As COVID-19 patients began to trickle into the hospital, we had a sign-up sheet for volunteers to care for this population. It was not a surprise to see Lizzy's name on top of the list. Lizzy comes to work with a smile and a positive attitude every day because she knows fear gets little done. For many, the Tactical Care Unit (TCU) is a scary place where you are treating those who are confirmed to have the "invisible illness" which is COVID-19. She was among the first Med-Surg nurses to be part of the TCU team and has since worked every shift.
This is an area where some of the bravest of nurses enter to face an uphill battle every day.
I had the privilege of witnessing a true act of compassion, grace, and dignity in the TCU. A patient who was nearing her last breath was serenaded by Lizzy. The patient was struggling to breathe and becoming very anxious and restless. As we waited for orders to give the patient medication to help her relax, Lizzy took it upon herself to comfort the patient by singing. It was an act of kindness and love. As Lizzy sang Amazing Grace, I had goosebumps. The provider standing at the bedside with us became teary-eyed. It was as if time had stopped and the hustle and bustle of the TCU were muted to hear Lizzy sing. The patient was not allowed visitors or family at the bedside during her last moments due to the high risk of exposing COVID-19 to others. Lizzy ensured the patient passed with comfort, peace, and love, and as if the patient had the support of her family at the bedside.
This is only one example of the incredible nurse that Lizzy has become and why she is a DAISY Nurse. She has less than a year of nursing experience but has more faith and compassion than most seasoned nurses at Parkland. I am honored to work beside her, as she consistently provides thoughtful care to her patients. Lizzy also helped organize her church members to donate daily meals, non-perishable food, and even toilet paper to Parkland nurses in need. During this time of stress and uncertainty, it is beautiful to see how someone has risen to the challenge of caring for those who many fear. She has been a true light during this difficult time, and the patients and staff at Parkland are all blessed by her spirit.
Lizzy, thank you for being you!
This is an area where some of the bravest of nurses enter to face an uphill battle every day.
I had the privilege of witnessing a true act of compassion, grace, and dignity in the TCU. A patient who was nearing her last breath was serenaded by Lizzy. The patient was struggling to breathe and becoming very anxious and restless. As we waited for orders to give the patient medication to help her relax, Lizzy took it upon herself to comfort the patient by singing. It was an act of kindness and love. As Lizzy sang Amazing Grace, I had goosebumps. The provider standing at the bedside with us became teary-eyed. It was as if time had stopped and the hustle and bustle of the TCU were muted to hear Lizzy sing. The patient was not allowed visitors or family at the bedside during her last moments due to the high risk of exposing COVID-19 to others. Lizzy ensured the patient passed with comfort, peace, and love, and as if the patient had the support of her family at the bedside.
This is only one example of the incredible nurse that Lizzy has become and why she is a DAISY Nurse. She has less than a year of nursing experience but has more faith and compassion than most seasoned nurses at Parkland. I am honored to work beside her, as she consistently provides thoughtful care to her patients. Lizzy also helped organize her church members to donate daily meals, non-perishable food, and even toilet paper to Parkland nurses in need. During this time of stress and uncertainty, it is beautiful to see how someone has risen to the challenge of caring for those who many fear. She has been a true light during this difficult time, and the patients and staff at Parkland are all blessed by her spirit.
Lizzy, thank you for being you!