May 2020
Shaina
Mervis
,
RN, BSN
Cardiac Care ICU
UCI Health
When we could not even brush my sister's hair to give her comfort, Shaina took her time to wash her hair and brush her teeth.
My sister was hospitalized in UCI and we were lucky to have Shaina take care of her. She was intubated already prior to transfer to UCI and with the no visitor allowed policy, my family and I are all very anxious, scared, and emotional in the tough situation we were in. One phone call to Shaina and that all went away. She was very informative, caring, and thoughtful. It only took 5 minutes of her time but it made the world of difference to us. The time she gave us made us calm and trust her despite us not being there. When we cannot be there to hold my sister's hand, Shaina became the hands that held her. When we could not give her words of reassurance, Shaina spoke to her like family. When we could not even brush my sister's hair to give her comfort, Shaina took her time to wash her hair and brush her teeth. When most nurses would only do what they need to do inside a COVID-19 positive room, Shaina made my sister feel like she was not alone. Thank you, Shaina. You are a true gem and the light that guides patients and families during these very difficult times.