December 2017
Katrina
Tavakkoli
,
RN, CNII
ICU
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
We had a difficult end of life care patient. His daughter was the only available family member to make decisions for him. She was struggling with the hard choices regarding continuing her father's care or allowing him to become palliative care. She was also struggling financially and was beginning a new job in a few days. Clearly overwhelmed and devastated we spent the majority of our shift answering questions and giving support. Katrina was so kind and helpful towards this patient's daughter. She took her down to the cafeteria and bought her lunch. I think this is an incredible example of the human spirit of nursing, especially in the ICU. We take care of not only the patients but their families too. Katrina also stayed late that shift to make sure the daughter was OK. She showed so much compassion that day.