Eva Saldana
September 2016
Eva
Saldana
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
Walla Walla General Hospital
Walla Walla
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

My mother was admitted to WWGH and transferred to the ICU. My father was asked if he wanted full treatment/resuscitation if needed. He said yes. My mother's condition was fragile and CPR would have been painful for her with a questionable outcome. Eva took the time to share what CPR would mean - likely including broken ribs. When he understood what it would mean to my mom, he stated he didn't want her to be in pain - so he changed the decision to DNR/DNI.
The next day it was clear my mother's worsening condition meant comfort care would be the best decision for her. While the doctors shared that she might live for several days once comfort protocols were in place, she began to decline rapidly. When her vital signs were getting very low I asked Eva to come into her room - which she did as rapidly as possible. She could see my mom was moments from death, so she leaned over toward my dad and encouraged him to hold her hand as she was passing. He did and was at her side as she died.
Eva not only provided exemplary nursing care. She went above and beyond in demonstrating compassion, providing clarity about medical procedures and their possible outcome and attentiveness to our family needs.