July 2013
Kayleen
Nelson
,
RN
Surgical Unit
Sanford Health
Fargo
,
ND
United States
I am writing from the Palliative Care Unit, where I have been with my Dad since he was moved here from the main hospital on Tuesday night. While I love the level of care and the skilled and compassionate staff in this unit, I find myself desperately missing our nurse, Kayleen, of 5 East. I will never forget her or the care she showed my Dad over the two days she was his nurse.
The impression Kayleen left on my heart is one of utmost professionalism and a high level of skill and technical competence, all balanced with the most intuitive sense of compassion. The minute she entered Dad's room, she conveyed sincere warmth and interest in Dad's needs as a person as well as his demands as a patient. Her voice was always calm and soothing, and she modeled that behavior to all who worked with Dad under her watch. There was never talking "around" him, as if he wasn't in the room, and there wasn't loud or overly-familiar chatter, which can further agitate someone who is in pain. She was also respectful of the relationship Dad and I have and honored my questions and my input beautifully.
On the lOth, Dr. S had recommended that perhaps Dad would be a good candidate for palliative care. However, he said, there were no beds available. On the 11th, Dad had an encouraging morning, but took a rather dramatic turn for the worse in the afternoon. Kayleen worked so hard to strategize every possible option for his care and comfort. She used every resource to help him and stuck with us through some very difficult hours. It shouldn't have surprised me, but she I came in after her shift should have ended to tell me that she had gotten a room for Dad in Palliative Care! All this was after the conclusion of a long, and what must have been exhausting shift. My sisters and I will never be able to convey our thanks appropriately for this effort on her part.
I do miss Kayleen. I miss her kind heart and beaming smile. I miss her reassuring ways and positive attitude and respect toward my Dad. Even when he was battling delirium, anxiety and extreme pain, she was kind and affirming to him. She knew that there was a great man tucked in under all those symptoms and she spoke to that person, not the patient, suggesting she "go get some men and bring them back here to help me!" We had to chuckle a bit, since my Dad was married to a strong and beautiful woman with whom he raised five very strong and determined daughters.
Well, Kayleen got him out and to the place he needed to be, but while he was under her care, she modeled all the characteristics that bring honor to her profession. I am grateful beyond words for her presence in our lives when we needed it most.
The impression Kayleen left on my heart is one of utmost professionalism and a high level of skill and technical competence, all balanced with the most intuitive sense of compassion. The minute she entered Dad's room, she conveyed sincere warmth and interest in Dad's needs as a person as well as his demands as a patient. Her voice was always calm and soothing, and she modeled that behavior to all who worked with Dad under her watch. There was never talking "around" him, as if he wasn't in the room, and there wasn't loud or overly-familiar chatter, which can further agitate someone who is in pain. She was also respectful of the relationship Dad and I have and honored my questions and my input beautifully.
On the lOth, Dr. S had recommended that perhaps Dad would be a good candidate for palliative care. However, he said, there were no beds available. On the 11th, Dad had an encouraging morning, but took a rather dramatic turn for the worse in the afternoon. Kayleen worked so hard to strategize every possible option for his care and comfort. She used every resource to help him and stuck with us through some very difficult hours. It shouldn't have surprised me, but she I came in after her shift should have ended to tell me that she had gotten a room for Dad in Palliative Care! All this was after the conclusion of a long, and what must have been exhausting shift. My sisters and I will never be able to convey our thanks appropriately for this effort on her part.
I do miss Kayleen. I miss her kind heart and beaming smile. I miss her reassuring ways and positive attitude and respect toward my Dad. Even when he was battling delirium, anxiety and extreme pain, she was kind and affirming to him. She knew that there was a great man tucked in under all those symptoms and she spoke to that person, not the patient, suggesting she "go get some men and bring them back here to help me!" We had to chuckle a bit, since my Dad was married to a strong and beautiful woman with whom he raised five very strong and determined daughters.
Well, Kayleen got him out and to the place he needed to be, but while he was under her care, she modeled all the characteristics that bring honor to her profession. I am grateful beyond words for her presence in our lives when we needed it most.