I wanted to share some kind words from our family as we were on the receiving end of the extraordinary care we received while our brother was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital.  First, we would like to thank some of the healthcare staff, that we felt in our minds, went above and beyond their role while caring for our brother:  Annie and Jane, Andee, Jessica, Becky, Laura, and Ashley.  Though he did have many other caregivers who helped assist or simply answered a call light. We also want to send our heartfelt gratitude to the entire 6th floor, north tower.  They took care of more than just our brother as a patient, they took care of us as a family.   

To provide a little background, our brother was diagnosed with cancer with mets to his liver just two weeks before his 41st birthday.  After his diagnosis, he lived his life to the fullest traveling the world.  In the last month and a half of his life, he was admitted 3-4 times to Methodist.  He tried to avoid these admissions until he absolutely could not. The last place he wanted to be was in the hospital, knowing there was that slim possibility he could die alone as he knew his prognosis was poor. 

Our brother had a small family but was loved by so many.  His family consisted of his mom and stepdad, his sister, his brother and sister-in-law, and 6 nieces and nephews.  He also was cared for by his girlfriend along with all the firefighters at his Fire Station.  After these multiple admissions in the past weeks, he was once again admitted.  This time, unbeknown to us, it was his last admission. By Sunday morning, we had received devastating news from the provider team.  We had shifted our focus from getting him home to creating a relaxed environment as our brother was placed on comfort cares. This is when he knew he would be spending his last moments in the hospital, the very last place he wanted to be. We surrounded him with family, never leaving his side.  

Since admission, the staff recognized his prognosis was poor.  They knew our family was going to be by his side throughout his stay, so they did whatever they could to make this time special for us.  Even moving us to a bigger room so that we could have more space to be with our brother. Though their focus was solely on him, they never forgot about us. Our family was cared for just as much as he was.   They made sure we had food and drinks in the room while always asking how he was doing.  

While our brother was in and out of it, sleeping often, we had made it our goal to get him outside one last time on Sunday.  Staff was right there with us, planning and gathering supplies to make this work.  We worked with the staff to plan a time for him to go outside so his fellow firefighters from around Omaha could visit one last time and pay their respects.   Our nurse Jane, Laura the charge nurse that day, the house supervisor, respiratory therapy, and even security all made this happen for us.  They made sure our brother was comfortable in his bed, had enough oxygen bottles as backup, and even brought medication in case he did get uncomfortable.  He was so surprised when we finally made it outside.  This was amazing and so special.

During his last moments, he was able to see all the support from local fire departments, work colleagues, and family.  He was able to wave, give hugs, and shake hands with those who thanked him for his service.  This was his final farewell.  The Methodist security officer who assisted us walked up to him and said “I don’t know who you are but I gotta shake your hand because it’s an honor to be here beside you.” 

Shortly after heading back inside our brother fell asleep and never woke.   Our brother passed away on a Monday, right at the change of shift.  Ashley, Brian, and other nursing staff came in routinely throughout that day to answer questions when needed and check on him. They never rushed or never made our questions seem “stupid.” They always talked to our brother when they were doing anything for him and greeted him each time they came in.  The act of kindness, caring, and compassion was truly demonstrated by all the staff caring for him.   

After he passed, we arranged with the nursing staff, the house supervisor, and the funeral home for his own fire department to transport him to his final resting place. As the fireman showed up to transfer him to their gurney, cover him with the American flag and place his helmet on his chest, the healthcare staff lined the hallways just outside the room to pay their respects.  Staff had stopped all their tasks for a moment and stood silent as our brother was transported from his room by his own firefighters. This was truly a sight to see!  This show of respect was so touching and truly took our breath away. As a family in nursing ourselves, one being a nursing instructor and myself a clinical nurse manager, the Methodist staff reminded us why we are so proud to be in this profession and see this genuine act of kindness. For a man that wanted to spend his last days at home, the Methodist staff truly went above and beyond to make this unfortunate time the best possible for our family.  Sure, it may have been a simple task to take a patient outside or show patience when we were asking multiple questions, but we know how busy and short-staffed hospitals are right now.  We know it takes a lot of time and coordination to accomplish taking someone outside, especially when you have other patients to attend to.   

This is why we believe 6North deserves to be recognized for the caring and compassion they showed not only to our brother but to us as a family.  They truly went above and beyond while caring for the whole patient.