After D, was shot in his stomach trying to assist another woman from being carjacked, he was brought to Doctors Medical Center. There was little hope as we awaited news as to whether he was going to make it. When he arrived at the ICU in critical condition, he had amazing nurses who cared for him tremendously and graciously. He was in an induced coma, in a paralytic state also induced by medication, so he could not move or speak. I was by his bedside every day, constantly hoping that he was going to make it through another night. There was an abundance of antibiotics, pain medicine, sedation medication, and paralytic medication to monitor and administer for him. He looked like a human pin cushion, but he was a fighter.
Then came an angel, Lindsay Union, as his assigned RN. She was incredibly patient and informative, explaining to us know step-by-step what medications he was being given and why. More importantly, she included D in those same processes, talking to him directly, whether he could hear her or not. She remained gentle and caring throughout the entire course of treatment, down to the simple task of changing his bedding. She told him when she was going to start administering medication and warned him if any pain, even just a pinch, would occur in the process. I knew he could not feel anything, or react, but her consideration for him gave me the utmost comfort. Lindsay saw D as a person, not just a patient and we trusted her completely with his care.
Even if Lindsay was not assigned to D, she remained supportive and compassionate, especially when we were becoming discouraged about whether his intubation tube was going to be removed. When nurses made suggestions about treatment, Lindsay was first to collaborate with the medical team and offer her medical opinion in order to reach the best decision possible. She constantly asked important and relevant questions about D, about who he is as a person, in order to both create comfort for him and make sure his medical needs were being met. She displayed incredible professionalism and care and remained strict and authoritative when she felt his health was compromised, whether she was directing visitors, immediate family or D. Lindsay made sure I was comfortable, emotionally supported and taken care of as well, but not as to compromise the care she was giving to D. She knew I will be taking care of D when he is discharged and wanted to ensure that I was fully prepared to do so, offering to answer any questions or explain any medications or processes. She always went out of her way to make sure everything was operating properly and being administered properly.
When D woke up, Lindsay was there to greet him, and D was beyond grateful for the care and dedication that she had given in order to get him to the point of leaving the ICU. He is now out of critical condition and Lindsay still remains an impactful advocate for his well-being and recovery. She truly made a difference in D's life going forward after such a traumatic event, and we could never thank her enough for being the extraordinary person she is.
Note: This is Lindsay's 2nd DAISY Award!