Eric Sartori, RN, CCRN

An ICU nurse had been in continuous contact with his Covid patient’s family member. He regularly updated her on the patient’s medical condition, inquired about her well-being, and acknowledged the family’s difficulty coping with visitor restrictions that prevented them from being at the bedside with the patient. The Covid patient was unable to communicate or express his wishes. The nurse asked if there was any way he could bring her (the family member) into the room by doing something she would typically do for him. That’s when she said the patient loved drinking his coffee every morning and asked the nurse to place a cup of coffee near the bedside for the chance that he just might be able to enjoy the aroma and know that his family was thinking about him. The nurse thanked the family member for her request, said he would place a cup of coffee near the patient’s bed, and would also ask the patient’s other nurses to do the same. The family member expressed gratitude to the nurse for his kindness and care.