I am Meredith McLaughlin’s assistant nurse manager on MICU 6N. I have been practicing nursing for 11 years, and I have never seen the level of compassion and kindness Meredith provided to this Family. J came to our unit and unfortunately passed away after months of being with our team. During that time that J was with us, Meredith frequently cared for him. J was a complicated case. He was in chronic pain due to cancer taking over his body. He never wanted to be turned, repositioned, or bathed. J only let Meredith bathe him or reposition him because of the gentle touch she had with him. J would ask for Meredith each shift, and wanted to know when she was coming back.

Meredith spent extra time with him, and truly made his last days memorable. Meredith would spend her time bathing him, and giving him massages, which always helped his pain. Her calm demeanor and contagious smile always put J’s family at ease knowing their loved one was being cared for. On the day J passed away, Meredith spent time with the family and stayed after her shift had ended to make sure his body was wrapped with the kindness and compassion he deserved.

The patient’s family became a part of our family, and they considered the MICU 6 team part of theirs including Meredith. J had 4 children but would always say one was his favorite in the way that parents aren’t supposed to. I know that if J was asked who his favorite was, he would say Meredith. I am proud to have Meredith on my team, and I know she will continue to treat all her patients with kindness and compassion.