Kimberly Meloro
November 2017
Kimberly
Meloro
,
BS, BSN, RN, CCRN, BC
Surgical Critical Care
Christiana Care Health System
Newark
,
DE
United States

 

 

 

My aunt was a surgical patient for a scheduled abdominal aneurysm repair. She ended up in surgical ICU because of critical complications of the surgery. She remained intubated and her abdomen was left open due to continued internal bleeding. To say it was a shock to her family to see this, would be an understatement. Kim was her nurse. Her clinical expertise was remarkable. She explained in layman's terms the various equipment and medications that were hooked up to my aunt. She fielded questions like a golden glove shortstop. What set Kim apart from all of the other medical professionals involved in her care, was her compassion and attention to the needs of the family. My aunt was a very private person who took great pride in her personal appearance. She was well maintained. Kim picked up on this immediately and took the time to fix her hair, straighten her sheets, smooth out the wrinkles in her gown, etc. so that the family's final memories of her did not deviate much from how she presented herself in life. The family made the decision to withdraw care after discussing outcomes with the medical team. Again, it was Kim who provided the information that was easily understandable. My aunt passed away within 30 minutes of extubating. She looked beautiful and peaceful. Her death was unexpected, and the pain is still present. Kim provided a caring environment that afforded my aunt a dignified and peaceful death.