Lauren Dominguez
March 2023
Lauren
Dominguez
,
RN
PVICU
Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center
Stockton
,
CA
United States
I was fortunate to have the concern and support from Lauren.
My aunt was hospitalized with symptoms of cancer and later, cardiac arrest. I was her medical contact. It was a steep learning curve as I've never been the sole medical contact for an aging relative. It was emotionally draining as my aunt had been like a second mother. Lauren, from the ICU, exuded both warmth and knowledge. Her bedside manner was matched by her nursing skills. Not only did she explain my aunt's condition to me at length and in detail, but she also made early morning phone calls to me on my aunt's status. Never rushed, never agitated, she understood my concern and my grief.
When it became clear my aunt's condition was not improving, she arranged for my family to come together, with the hospital chaplain, to say prayers at my aunt's side. Because Lauren took the time to get to know us in the few days my aunt was in the ICU, she knew my aunt was a woman of great faith, who valued her family immensely. She understood, too, that my aunt's husband and siblings needed the opportunity to say goodbye. I would not have known how to organize this prayer session. I would not have known who to contact. Lauren aided me with arrangements so that I would be relieved of additional stress since so much was already placed on my shoulders. The experience of navigating hospitals and dying was new for me. I was fortunate to have the concern and support from Lauren. She exemplifies an everyday hero; she is. an exemplary representative of her profession. I hope that you will consider recognizing her for the outstanding care she provides to her patients and her patient's family members.
When it became clear my aunt's condition was not improving, she arranged for my family to come together, with the hospital chaplain, to say prayers at my aunt's side. Because Lauren took the time to get to know us in the few days my aunt was in the ICU, she knew my aunt was a woman of great faith, who valued her family immensely. She understood, too, that my aunt's husband and siblings needed the opportunity to say goodbye. I would not have known how to organize this prayer session. I would not have known who to contact. Lauren aided me with arrangements so that I would be relieved of additional stress since so much was already placed on my shoulders. The experience of navigating hospitals and dying was new for me. I was fortunate to have the concern and support from Lauren. She exemplifies an everyday hero; she is. an exemplary representative of her profession. I hope that you will consider recognizing her for the outstanding care she provides to her patients and her patient's family members.