Mike Papasidero
September 2021
Mike
Papasidero
,
RN
2E CV ICU
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Raleigh
,
NC
United States
Mike navigated this sticky social situation incredibly well while keeping the immediate family at the center of care.
As a Child Life Specialist, I was consulted by one of Mike's co-workers to assist a patient's children in saying good-bye. This patient had 5 children ranging in age from 7 years to late 20's. I began answering the children's questions about various topics – the funeral process, the hospital, etc. One of the children then asked, "What happens next?"
I looked at Mike for assistance and he handled this question beautifully stating, "We will clean your mom and make her comfortable and she will be cared for and kept comfortable until the funeral home picks her up." I later thanked Mike for his kind description of the next steps, and he explained 2E nurses have become experts in explaining next steps in a kind way during COVID. While Mike was giving this patient's family time and space for a peaceful goodbye, a social situation arose. Mike navigated this sticky social situation incredibly well while keeping the immediate family at the center of care. I watched Mike comfort each and every family member along with providing beautiful care to this patient at the end of her life. Thank you, Mike. I know you had a huge impact on these children during one of the saddest days of their lives and thank you for being receptive of me joining your team that night.
I looked at Mike for assistance and he handled this question beautifully stating, "We will clean your mom and make her comfortable and she will be cared for and kept comfortable until the funeral home picks her up." I later thanked Mike for his kind description of the next steps, and he explained 2E nurses have become experts in explaining next steps in a kind way during COVID. While Mike was giving this patient's family time and space for a peaceful goodbye, a social situation arose. Mike navigated this sticky social situation incredibly well while keeping the immediate family at the center of care. I watched Mike comfort each and every family member along with providing beautiful care to this patient at the end of her life. Thank you, Mike. I know you had a huge impact on these children during one of the saddest days of their lives and thank you for being receptive of me joining your team that night.