Leland Gonzales
September 2021
Leland
Gonzales
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Neurovascular Intensive Care Unit
Medical City Dallas
Dallas
,
TX
United States
Leland spent many hours with the young sons, explaining, comforting, and just being present.
Recently, a young woman was admitted to the NVICU, she came to the ED with a horrible headache, in a little more than 24 hours she had progressed to brain death. She had three young sons and she worked hard to support them, they depended on each other, when she was at work, the oldest son cared for his two young brothers. This was a very difficult situation for all the NVICU staff. Leland Gonzales, manager of the NVICU supported the family and the NVICU staff. She spent many hours with the young sons, explaining, comforting, and just being present. She was there when the boys were told that their mom would not live, she held the youngest son while the oldest son tried to comprehend the situation. Leland made many phone calls trying to find family and friends to help support this family. She made sure they had food and transportation to and from the hospital. She was there when the oldest son made the selfless decision to donate his mother’s organs. She coordinated efforts to ensure the family was able to cover funeral expenses and to help the boys. She attended the funeral to support them. I am so proud of Leland, faced with this tragic event, she showed Leadership, compassion, and kindness for this family and her team.