Justi J Naccarato
September 2024
Justi J
Naccarato
,
RN
ICU
UPMC St. Margaret
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Justi brushed the patient's hair and smiled, her infectious positivity lifting the patient's spirits.
Justi was caring for a patient with a perforated bowel. After surgical intervention, due to the depth of the incision, Justi had to place her hand inside the patient's open stomach to clean it. Despite the unsettling nature of this task, I had total confidence in her ability. The patient, barely able to whisper, asked with fear in their eyes, "Am I bleeding out?" Justi reassured them with calming words while changing their dressing, though it was clear the patient's demeanor had changed. The patient then asked if she would kindly brush their hair, suddenly becoming concerned with their appearance. I suspect they believed they might not survive until their spouse arrived in the early morning. Justi brushed the patient's hair and smiled, her infectious positivity lifting the patient's spirits. I was moved by Justi's strength and ability to transition from critical wound care to providing gentle, emotional support, treating both the patient's body and soul.