August 2020
Megan
Valenzuela
,
BSN, RN
OR
Chilton Medical Center
Pompton Plains
,
NJ
United States
Megan was a new hire right before the COVID surge. She was on orientation learning OR nursing. She had a background in neonatal intensive care. When our PACU was transformed into an ICU, Megan jumped right in caring for non-COVID ICU patients. One day a man in this "clean" ICU exhibited signs of COVID. He was quickly decompensating. His bed was moved out of the open area into the negative pressure room in PACU. All staff was anxious to care for him knowing he likely had COVID. Megan never hesitated. She reviewed her PPE and continued giving expert care to her patient. Since she was inside the negative pressure room caring for him, she had to ask nurses outside the room for supplies, which they would gather, crack the door, and hand to her through the doors. Not once did Megan complain or miss a beat. She remained compassionate and focused on providing excellent care. As this patient continued to decompensate, Megan remained by his side. It quickly became obvious he was dying. She helped him call his wife so they could say goodbye. She assured the wife he would not die alone. She never wavered, continuing to make him comfortable and to give him encouragement and love. As his imminent death drew closer Megan asked him if there was any song he'd like to sing together? They sang "Amazing Grace" as she held his hand. She continued to hold his hand as he passed. Her acts of selfless compassion brought tears to the eyes of all who witnessed her caring kindness and humanity.