pierpaola ward, RN

My husband was moved to this floor. Paula was his daytime nurse for the last three days of his life. She was always cheerful, knowledgeable, and compassionate that he has the best care and quality of life once his decision had been made to end treatment. On Saturday, Paula called me at home because my husband wanted to talk to me. He said, "I'm Dying."
Paula got Fr. J there by the time I arrived, so that my husband could have last rights. Our son and I were there holding his hands and trying to help him not be anxious with what was happening; Paula made sure he was comfortable and in no pain, but alert enough to know we were there.
On Sunday at 6:00 p.m. my husband of 54 years took his last breath as my son and I stood by his bed holding his hands. It was so peaceful. If there is such a thing as a good death, he had one. For this, we owe so much to Paula and the nursing staff. When it came time to prepare his body, Paula stayed past her shift end and lovingly cared for my husband a final time with our son helping. For three days Paula was our Angel here on Earth!