June 2021 Honoree
Lea Fitzgerald, BSN, RN, CCRN
Over the past couple of months, our unit was caring for two long-term patients that were husband and wife. It was said by the family that the couple were inseparable and had been together for countless years. Sadly, over the course of their stay, the husband began to deteriorate. Before he became too unstable to move, Lea, acting as the charge nurse for the night, suggested possibly reuniting the couple one last time (even if only for a brief moment before they both passed away).
With the family’s permission to make such actions occur, Lea took the initiative to contact the attending physician. She inquired about moving one of them to the other’s room for their reunion. Once permission was granted by the attending physician, Lea put the plan into motion. Within 30 minutes, the couple was reunited, side-by-side and holding hands. The family, who could not be present for the reunion, was also able to witness this moment through the unit I-Pad. Lea demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and advocated for the patients and their family members. She empathized and understood the importance of reuniting the couple, who were inseparable. After working tirelessly during the COVID pandemic, it is so easy to get distracted by all the nursing tasks that we possibly lose sight of the humane side of nursing. Lea embraced this humanity and created a special memory for the family that they will likely never forget. It was truly a moment we will never forget and made a huge impact on the staff present for such an occasion.
With the family’s permission to make such actions occur, Lea took the initiative to contact the attending physician. She inquired about moving one of them to the other’s room for their reunion. Once permission was granted by the attending physician, Lea put the plan into motion. Within 30 minutes, the couple was reunited, side-by-side and holding hands. The family, who could not be present for the reunion, was also able to witness this moment through the unit I-Pad. Lea demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and advocated for the patients and their family members. She empathized and understood the importance of reuniting the couple, who were inseparable. After working tirelessly during the COVID pandemic, it is so easy to get distracted by all the nursing tasks that we possibly lose sight of the humane side of nursing. Lea embraced this humanity and created a special memory for the family that they will likely never forget. It was truly a moment we will never forget and made a huge impact on the staff present for such an occasion.
Thank you, Lea, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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