I was working with Rachel yesterday in the ED on a cardiac death matter, and I observed her compassionate care for the patient before he died, and also for the family once they arrived. She went out of her way to make them comfortable and explain to them that the doctor would be in soon to meet with them to explain what had happened. She then went and found the doctor and told him about the family just arriving, that they very much wanted to see him, and asked him if there was anything she could do at that moment. She was patient and family-centered throughout the family's visit and so very kind to them. They guarded their privacy and kept me informed too, as I was also working with the family.
She did all of this while also caring for other patients. One was a participant in the ARC program who sometimes volunteered at the hospital. She greeted him by name and asked him what she could do to make him comfortable. She made sure he was treated well and lovingly, even with compassion and kindness. He indicated that he was very pleased to see her friendly face and joked with her a few minutes. She was very good at relieving his stress and welcoming as much more than a patient, but someone we really care about—as she treats all of the patients in the ED this way.