May 2019
Laura
Witt
,
RN, BSN
Emergency Department
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States
I brought my 88-year-old mother into the ED. I knew I was facing many difficult decisions and had wanted to move her to hospice at home, but it is difficult to do this without a hospitalization. Laura was my anchor of support. She provided me with comfort, caring and listening. I was conveying information to my brother and children but was very much on my own to make decisions. While I realized she was dying, those who were not here yet did not. As a health care professional, we are often felt to be able to handle everything we are told. Laura treated me like a patient's daughter, not an administrator. She also came after her shift to my mom's room to offer hugs and support to me and my daughter. I will never forget her care and compassion not just of my mom but of me as well. She lives the UPMC values and demonstrates why she is a DAISY Nurse every day!