My brother was treated and cared for in your MSICU unit for several weeks. In that time, he was critical and required the professional, skilled nursing care that your nurses provided. As an ICU nurse myself, I knew and understood everything that was happening. But as his sister, I was often overwhelmed by making decisions about his care. Unfortunately, I lived about 3 hours away and depended on them to be my sight and ears. Each nurse on the unit braved my questions and graciously provided me with daily updates.
When the time came that my brother could no longer fight, the family made the decision through the support of the doctors, to remove life support. On Saturday, we gathered at the bedside in ICU. Elle Steffen was assigned to not only care for my brother but also me and my family. Elle had a gentleness about her and her demeanor was nothing less than genuine and compassionate. She gave us all the time in the world to say our goodbyes, pray at the bedside and just support us in a manner that was utmost respectful and dignified.
Elle allowed me to stay at the bedside while he was extubated. He needed to know he was not alone in his journey. I am grateful for this moment and will hold it forever in my memories.
Thank you, Elle, for being the nurse that I had the privilege to share my brother's story with. You were selfless in your actions and extraordinary in your compassion. Never underestimate the difference you can make for your patients and especially the family. You were amazing!