During NUR 4650 Leadership Immersion Practicum, Monica Parga cared for a 24-year-old patient on a cardiac step-down unit. The patient came to the emergency department two weeks prior, after the preterm birth of her first child due to complications of COVID-19.  The previously healthy patient was admitted due to heart failure, and her echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 15%. Monica and her preceptor were assigned to care for this patient. 

Monica was awestruck that a previously healthy young adult with no prior medical history (except for COVID-19) could receive a potentially life-threatening diagnosis and told that she would likely require a heart transplant. Monica displayed great empathy, care, and compassion for this patient. The patient’s Mother was caring for her newborn while she was hospitalized. Monica advocated for the patient by requesting that the education about her defibrillator vest wait until the patient’s Mother could arrive. When her Mother arrived at the hospital, she brought the patient’s newborn son, and one of the nurses said, “Monica, the patient is asking you for you now.” Monica said, “My heart dropped. I thought something terrible had happened, but when I walked in, she wanted to introduce me to her son. She said you’re the guardian angel that helped me through this difficult storm”.  

Monica provided empathy and compassion for her patient.  She was an advocate and support system when the patient was alone and struggling with her new diagnosis and not being with her newborn son. Monica managed more than the patient’s disease process; she addressed the patient’s holistic needs and provided excellent nursing care to meet the patient where she was during this pivotal time in her life. This is just one example of the compassionate care provided by Monica. She is ethical, and conscientious and is always working toward doing better for her patients. I am excited to see what her future holds as she transitions to professional practice.