The PACU is a fast pacedenvironment, and it can be hard to remember what a solemn place it can be for some parents. We are often the first interactionfollowing a heart breaking diagnosis. The darkened rooms of the PACU can also be a "hiding" place for parents to release theiremotions while their children are still sleeping off the effects of their anesthesia. If we as PACU nurses do not keep up with ourcharting while our patients are in front of us, it can be a rigorous, day-long process of trying to catch up.
On one of our busiestdays, I watched Becky kneel down at the feet of a crying mother for the entire time the child was resting. This mother is well knownto us all, as she has a terminally ill child. She travels from far north, alone with her son, so that he can receive the care he sodesperately needs. Becky cried and prayed with this mother until her son was awake, and then Becky helped her pull herselftogether to be strong for her son. It was then that Becky put her brave face back on and went about her day. There was nothingmore important than tending to that mother. The mother didn't ask for support, Becky just knows when it is needed and gives loveand support like I've never seen.
There isn't a shift that goes by that I couldn't write about how Becky loves and cares for herpatients and families. There isn't a shift that goes by that I couldn't write about how Becky loves and cares for her co-workers. Thisis one of those moments that is captured in my mind and I think back to it when things get tough and I need to be reminded toslow down and care for my families, my patients, and myself.