May 2022
Elizabeth
Vogel
,
BSN, RN
Critical Care
Schneck Medical Center
Seymour
,
IN
United States
That morning when the daughter was updated she broke down in tears and was so very appreciative of the gesture from Elizabeth.
We have all witnessed some amazing things with caring for the sick COVID patients in our unit. We have all made special connections with one patient or their family member while caring for these patients at their sickest moments. One, in particular, had a special impact on several of us, making our faith stronger. The family’s faith, love, prayer and bible verses of encouragement truly impacted us all. Fast forward a few months to another strong faith-based patient. This gentleman was on the ventilator. His family left his daily reading devotional book at the bedside and requested staff to read it to him daily. As the days passed, this family too left encouraging bible verses at the bedside for their loved one. One nurse, Elizabeth, in particular, left comforting bible verses in the room near the patient, which inspired the following nurse to do the same. That morning when the daughter was updated she broke down in tears and was so very appreciative of the gesture from Elizabeth. Later that day, after family arrived at the bedside it was decided to terminally extubate him. The family was gathered around the bed after extubation while the patient was taking his last and final breaths. The family played a couple of hymns, joined in prayer, and said their final goodbyes. One by one the family read off the bible verse notes that this nurse left for the patient just prior to his final breath. It brought such a sense of peace and comfort to the family at such a sad time. This nurse was made aware of the impact of her kind gesture and that it was truly a lasting memory for them all and myself. It’s an awesome feeling in the dark world of COVID to pay it forward from that first patient…spreading God's faith and love to others that need it too and Elizabeth did just that in such a selfless manner. She is a true DAISY Nurse!