Recently I was taking care of a patient who just "didn't look right." After calling the doctors, I wanted a second nurse to come and assist me with all the things that needed to be done when a patient is in distress. The nurse who had floated to our unit that day, Jackie, was in another patient's room a few doors down. I yelled into the hallway for her to come and help me, and without hesitation, Jackie rushed into the room. Several times throughout the day I needed help to care for my patient and Jackie was always willing to drop what she was doing to come and help me.
Hours later, at shift change, a CCP came to tell me that something was wrong with my patient. Again, I called Jackie for help. Unfortunately, the patient was unresponsive. Every nurse and care partner on the unit ran into the room to assist, but Jackie took on the leadership role as we began rescue breathing to revive the patient. Nearly an hour later, long after our shift had ended, the family decided they wanted us to stop rescue efforts. Jackie stayed behind to help me make the patient as comfortable as we could. She held his hand and explained to him what we were doing as we were doing it. She helped to keep the patient as calm as possible; speaking to him softly and calling him by name. Together we cleaned the patient and cleared the room of unnecessary medical equipment before the family arrived.
Jackie stayed behind with me - well past what she was required to do - to help me finish what needed to get done. The family arrived to be with the patient during his final hours. I am very grateful to Jackie for all the help she provided me that entire day, but I especially appreciate her help during a very difficult end of life situation. She went above and beyond to help me, the patient, and the patient's family.