Jennifer McMurrian
May 2021
Jennifer
McMurrian
,
RN
DaVita Northstar Division
DaVita Nampa Dialysis
Nampa
,
ID
United States
Jennifer had the wherewithal to offer the gift of care - a hug, words of condolence, and asking the question “what can I do for you?”
One of our patients contacted COVID-19 in November. Consequently, he received his dialysis treatment at our designated “COVID Clinic” in Nampa, ID. Although this patient had been receiving dialysis for multiple years, he was not considered to be a high-risk patient, seemingly managing his COVID symptoms in the community and enjoying early retirement. The news of his coding during dialysis and his spirit moving on, minutes before his wife and disabled son traveled to bring him home, came as devastating news to all.
This is a story of the impressive care that Jennifer McMurrian gave to him. As I understand it, one other teammate was working the floor with the remaining few patients, completing their treatment. Fortunately for all present during that surreal experience, Jennifer took charge. She performed life-sustaining measures, respectful of his full code status, even knowing that he had passed on. Fortunately, he did not suffer. Her prior experience with code incidences in a hospital setting gave her the knowledge and confidence that she needed until she was relieved by first responders. I spoke with Jennifer about this experience and I needed to thank her for such exceptional care of our patient, her staff, other patients, and his family.
When his family came, they were met by Jennifer who had to deliver the news that they would not be returning home with their father and husband that day, nor ever. Jennifer had the wherewithal to offer the gift of care - a hug, words of condolence, and asking the question “what can I do for you?” This family being led through life by their religious beliefs, asked Jennifer to pray with them. She did. The greatest gift we give our patients is ourselves. Being human, we have our good and bad days, we make mistakes and experience occasional triumphs. I hope DaVita recognizes that Jennifer was on top of her game that day, instinctually knowing what to do in that flash of death, in the clinic that she is responsible for. I doubt many could rise to the circumstances in such a skilled and caring manner. This is a reminder for all as we seemingly go through our daily work routines, how real and fragile our life-supporting work is.
This is a story of the impressive care that Jennifer McMurrian gave to him. As I understand it, one other teammate was working the floor with the remaining few patients, completing their treatment. Fortunately for all present during that surreal experience, Jennifer took charge. She performed life-sustaining measures, respectful of his full code status, even knowing that he had passed on. Fortunately, he did not suffer. Her prior experience with code incidences in a hospital setting gave her the knowledge and confidence that she needed until she was relieved by first responders. I spoke with Jennifer about this experience and I needed to thank her for such exceptional care of our patient, her staff, other patients, and his family.
When his family came, they were met by Jennifer who had to deliver the news that they would not be returning home with their father and husband that day, nor ever. Jennifer had the wherewithal to offer the gift of care - a hug, words of condolence, and asking the question “what can I do for you?” This family being led through life by their religious beliefs, asked Jennifer to pray with them. She did. The greatest gift we give our patients is ourselves. Being human, we have our good and bad days, we make mistakes and experience occasional triumphs. I hope DaVita recognizes that Jennifer was on top of her game that day, instinctually knowing what to do in that flash of death, in the clinic that she is responsible for. I doubt many could rise to the circumstances in such a skilled and caring manner. This is a reminder for all as we seemingly go through our daily work routines, how real and fragile our life-supporting work is.