May 2020
Katherine
Scholle
,
RN
ICU
Yuma Regional Medical Center
Yuma
,
AZ
United States

 

 

 

Amid the visitor restrictions brought on by COVID-19, a gentleman in his 60's was alone in the ICU and struggling to maintain his life. Family was not at the bedside but was getting updates via phone calls. The patient was not doing well. He did not have a significant other or any children. His sister made the difficult decision over the phone to allow the patient to die in peace. He was made comfort care. Kathy was the charge nurse in the ICU that shift. The patient declined quickly once the drips and oxygen were removed. That is when I was witness to it; Nursing at its finest! The patient's nurse, Scott Hall, held his hand while Kathy Scholle (ICU RC) hummed hymns as he passed. The patient passed in such a peaceful and caring atmosphere. All other chaotic distractions were set aside as these nurses took the time to be with a patient who had nobody else at his side as he took his last breath and his heartbeat that one final beat. My heart was genuinely touched. I have never been prouder of the nurses I am honored to work alongside with each shift.