Neil Weathers
November 2020
Neil
Weathers
,
RN
Medical ICU
University Medical Center (TX)
Witnesses stated that grief overtook Neil as well and that he knelt by his expired patient's side in all his PPE, praying and crying for the one he just lost.
Neil has been working nights in the Medical ICU for nearly 7 years. If you ever have the privilege of any sort of interactions with Neil, you would probably agree that he is one of the kindest and most loving people you could run across. Neil is one of our most experienced staff nurses and is frequently utilized as a preceptor on nights.
Lately, throughout the pandemic, Neil has seemed like a ray of hope when dealing with the incredibly challenging patients that come to the Medical ICU with COVID-19. He has also always been gifted in helping our patients and their families through the final moments of life; however, this is an area of patient care that has become increasingly difficult due to the emotional toll. One day it was brought to the attention of the MICU management team that our night crew had experienced an especially difficult shift. Upon further investigation, and following up with our staff, it was discovered that Neil was the primary nurse for one of our patients that was DNR. With the help of the MICU team, Neil fought fiercely over the course of several nights to help his patient recover from the virus. When it was finally determined that we were indeed losing the battle to save our patient's life, the family decided that they wanted their loved one to be comfortable during his final moments. Since Neil had taken the time to get to know his patient very well over the previous few shifts together, Neil promised his patient he would remain at his side because his own family was unable to be at his death bed. Even as the patient became self-aware that these were his final moments, Neil was able to reassure him that everything would be okay and helped his patient accept the inevitable.
Neil's demeanor and attitude throughout the entire scenario was such an inspirational moment for the staff members around that many of them reached out to recognize Neil for his efforts during this extremely emotional death. Most staff mentioned that they could no longer bear the emotional burden as Neil acted as a surrogate family, and had to leave the unit to collect themselves. Witnesses stated that grief overtook Neil as well and that he knelt by his expired patient's side in all his PPE, praying and crying for the one he just lost.
Neil's presence that night is a symbol of all nurses caring for these challenging patients and all that COVID has changed and taken away from us. Thank you, Neil, for always loving those that are in your care.
Lately, throughout the pandemic, Neil has seemed like a ray of hope when dealing with the incredibly challenging patients that come to the Medical ICU with COVID-19. He has also always been gifted in helping our patients and their families through the final moments of life; however, this is an area of patient care that has become increasingly difficult due to the emotional toll. One day it was brought to the attention of the MICU management team that our night crew had experienced an especially difficult shift. Upon further investigation, and following up with our staff, it was discovered that Neil was the primary nurse for one of our patients that was DNR. With the help of the MICU team, Neil fought fiercely over the course of several nights to help his patient recover from the virus. When it was finally determined that we were indeed losing the battle to save our patient's life, the family decided that they wanted their loved one to be comfortable during his final moments. Since Neil had taken the time to get to know his patient very well over the previous few shifts together, Neil promised his patient he would remain at his side because his own family was unable to be at his death bed. Even as the patient became self-aware that these were his final moments, Neil was able to reassure him that everything would be okay and helped his patient accept the inevitable.
Neil's demeanor and attitude throughout the entire scenario was such an inspirational moment for the staff members around that many of them reached out to recognize Neil for his efforts during this extremely emotional death. Most staff mentioned that they could no longer bear the emotional burden as Neil acted as a surrogate family, and had to leave the unit to collect themselves. Witnesses stated that grief overtook Neil as well and that he knelt by his expired patient's side in all his PPE, praying and crying for the one he just lost.
Neil's presence that night is a symbol of all nurses caring for these challenging patients and all that COVID has changed and taken away from us. Thank you, Neil, for always loving those that are in your care.