Martina Best
November 2018
Martina
Best
,
RN
Med Surg - KS3W
Chambersburg Hospital
Chambersburg
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

My dad was a patient on 3E until he passed. I could nominate many of the nurses but chose Martina Best because she was able to facilitate something that we could have never done. Not only was she an exemplary nurse in caring for him but took extra time to reach out to the nurses who helped us have my parent's hands molded in plaster.
One day, as I was sitting beside my dad, holding his hand I realized I had not taken the time to have their hands molded, I thought we had more time but knew his time was coming to an end. They held hands everywhere they went!!
I went to the nurse's station to ask if they knew the unit secretary on the birthing floor because I knew there was a nurse on the floor that molded stillborn baby's hands and feet for keepsakes. I asked if we could find out who did them and Martina said, "don't worry I'll contact the floor and see if we can find out." Within 15 minutes in walked two nurses with a bucket and mix to mold their hands. I could not believe it!! It took two tries but they were able to get a mold. Unsure of how it would turn out they said "no worries", if it didn't they would be back tomorrow to try again.
The next morning they walked in with the most beautiful sculpture of my parent's hands! We were able to share this at his services and my mom can look at it daily as she misses my dad. It was a gift that we would've never had and a memory we will have forever.
I nominate Martina because she was able to show compassion and care to a family that was soon to lose their husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather… he is surely missed!!