Kaitlin Montgomery
April 2025
Kaitlin
Montgomery
,
RN-BSN
3 East
Kootenai Health
Coeur D'Alene
,
ID
United States
Kaitlin suggested they have a hospital wedding before he passed.
Kaitlin is able to make a meaningful connection with not only her patients but their loved ones as well. Her ability to see the whole picture at any given time is priceless, and she's such a blessing to those around her. Two weeks ago, she had a patient who was suffering from encephalopathy from liver failure. She provided compassionate care during this trying time and gave top-notch care. It wasn't easy as he was very confused and needed total care by the end of her 3-day schedule.
As his disease progressed, this patient decided to go into comfort care and transition to a hospice-like setting. His significant other was heartbroken as they had been planning on getting married, after being together 10+ years, this summer, and she wasn't going to be able to wear her wedding dress.
As this patient was being downgraded to the hospice-like floor in our hospital, Kaitlin made a point to seek out this patient's significant other and comfort her during this transition. They were on a first-name basis with each other and had made a meaningful connection during her time as his nurse.
As the significant other was walking off the floor, Kaitlin suggested they have a hospital wedding before he passed. The significant other shrugged her shoulders and thanked her for the suggestion, and they shared a hug. The very next night, I was notified by the hospice-like floor that this couple decided to have a hospital wedding! It was spur of the moment, but the patient was lucid enough to be able to say his vows, and his significant other got to wear her dress!
A little bit later that same evening, this new bride came up to our floor and specifically sought out Kaitlin to thank her and show her pictures. She said she never would have done it had Kaitlin not suggested it, but she was so thankful she was able to and was going to treasure the memory forever. Kaitlin was able to help this family member start the grieving process in a positive way. This isn't an easy task, but she made that meaningful connection and made a huge impact!
As his disease progressed, this patient decided to go into comfort care and transition to a hospice-like setting. His significant other was heartbroken as they had been planning on getting married, after being together 10+ years, this summer, and she wasn't going to be able to wear her wedding dress.
As this patient was being downgraded to the hospice-like floor in our hospital, Kaitlin made a point to seek out this patient's significant other and comfort her during this transition. They were on a first-name basis with each other and had made a meaningful connection during her time as his nurse.
As the significant other was walking off the floor, Kaitlin suggested they have a hospital wedding before he passed. The significant other shrugged her shoulders and thanked her for the suggestion, and they shared a hug. The very next night, I was notified by the hospice-like floor that this couple decided to have a hospital wedding! It was spur of the moment, but the patient was lucid enough to be able to say his vows, and his significant other got to wear her dress!
A little bit later that same evening, this new bride came up to our floor and specifically sought out Kaitlin to thank her and show her pictures. She said she never would have done it had Kaitlin not suggested it, but she was so thankful she was able to and was going to treasure the memory forever. Kaitlin was able to help this family member start the grieving process in a positive way. This isn't an easy task, but she made that meaningful connection and made a huge impact!