Matthew J Wertman
May 2022
Matthew J
Wertman
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
Penn Highlands Healthcare DuBois
DuBois
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Matt shows such compassion and loyalty to his patients and their families.
My aunt was admitted into the ICU at DuBois Penn Highlands. From the time in the ICU unit, my aunt declined in a way my family knew we soon would need to say our goodbyes. My aunt had struggled for some time on and off with bedsores. Her decline in health from other complications made her quality of life poor. The love she had for her husband and children and the love she got in return from them made her quality of life better. Her journey while in the ICU made the difficult time for my uncle and cousins so much easier. I was able to witness the difficult conversation the family had where Matt played support to the family. Matt showed sympathy to everyone, was soft-spoken, and encouraged the family to be around my aunt as much as they wanted.

Now the way Matt treated my aunt—there are no words other than he explains the vision of Penn Highlands. My Aunt became unresponsive during her stay towards the end. However, Matt treated her like a person, not a patient. Matt always spoke to my Aunt and explained what he was doing and why, even though the family felt my aunt was not aware, Matt treated her with the most care and respect.

Our family together made the decision not to do extraordinary measures. When the time came, Matt was respectful and he went above to ensure my aunt’s comfort, and as she declined he spoke and included the family in her care and communicated wonderfully. At the moment my Aunt was taking her last breaths on earth, Matt was in the room, was soft-spoken, kind, and overly caring towards my aunt in her last moments. The care of the family was WOW! Matt shows such compassion and loyalty to his patients and their families. As my aunt passed, the family sat around, and Matt stayed with the family making sure their needs were met, ensuring privacy by closing the curtain and room door with limited access so our family had privacy. Matt’s care allowed us in that time to make saying goodbye a pleasant and beautiful moment. I nominate this nurse because out of all the care patients receive the hardest is when one is passing. Matt made this difficult time easier for my Aunt and the family.