November 2017
Elysha
Walters
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
University of Missouri Health Care
Columbia
,
MO
United States
One day Elysha came to me and asked if I thought it would be okay if she took her patient, who was on comfort care, outside. Elysha stated that her patient had asked to see the sun and sky. I let Elysha know that this was absolutely okay, we brainstormed a little on how this was going to work. Without hesitation, Elysha walked back to the patient's room, excited to make her wishes come true. Within a couple minutes Elysha walked past me with her patient and patient's family on a mission to see the sky. Elysha took them all to the healing garden where the family was able to have some time together, outside listening to music, while the patient looked up at the sky. The patient was brought back to the unit and passed away within the next hour. I am positive that Elysha helped this patient die with the dignity, love and the joy of being outside with her family that every patient deserves. I am sure the family will always remember this special moment and the nurse who made it happen.