This was a man who had been completely fine and after one day his family suddenly was making the decision to withdraw care and proceed with comfort measures only. Big, loving family- kids, wife, grandkids. Really difficult for them. I had him that night a few hours after they withdrew, and when I was in school I volunteered in hospice. I explained what his body was going through, "the journey," I call it, and what I would do to keep him comfortable, etc. normally sleeping with an ICU patient in the bed is a big no-no, but most rules have exceptions, so we made it so his wife could sleep with him safely. Just lots of time and love. As the 12-hour shift was almost over, the ICU was short-staffed and I volunteered to stay for a 16-hour shift. They were trying to figure out how to get him home to die how he wanted. I just had this passion to try to make it happen. I stayed, called all the appropriate people, doctors/social work/chaplains, and got the ball rolling. (It was a holiday) The next night I came in at 11 pm (since I stayed late,) and they were still waiting to go home with him, but they were moved to another floor. I took a break and went to find them and check on them, and they were asleep. So, I left them a note on the whiteboard from me. Just saying I had stopped to check-in. This is the note that the daughter left me:
Robin,
Mom and I just wanted to tell you how grateful we are for you and all you did for us and Dad while he was in the hospital. You spent your precious to help us and him through the whole process. Volunteering to stay on shift to be dad's nurse and coming to find us when we had moved to a different floor. You were beyond awesome, and we appreciate all you did. Best of luck to you in all you do in the coming years. Thank you so much.