Shakila Eirby
July 2019
Shakila
Eirby
,
RN
Cardio Pulmonary
Central Maine Medical Center
Lewiston
,
ME
United States

 

 

 

On Monday while rounding with patients and assisting with medication passes, I came across a patient who had been on our unit for almost 40 days. I had met with this patient before for various reasons, but this time was different. I was helping Shakila this morning. While talking with this patient, I asked what his plan was for the day. He mentioned that he wanted to take a few walks but then surprised me with the next part of his plan. He was looking forward to going outside again with his nurse to sit in the sunshine. I asked him to explain, and he told me that the day prior on Shakila's break, she took him outside for a walk and she was planning on doing it again today.
40 days in a hospital can take a lot out of a person, Shakila's act of kindness and compassion brightened his day, his mood and his stay. I have been a nurse for 14 years and Shakila, a nurse for almost 1 year. It is so easy to get caught up in the business of nursing and lose sight of the one in front of you. Years ago, I feel like I remember more stories like this than I do now. Shakila renewed my faith in this busy profession we are in. We can always make time when we are patient-focused. Shakila is just that, patient-focused.
Thank you, Shakila for giving this patient a wonderful experience and just what he needed, a little 'Vitamin D' therapy and some love and attention! You made his day and mine! You are a wonderful person and an Extraordinary Nurse.
***
Shakila is a compassionate patient advocate, she serves as a role model for the nursing profession and is passionate about life. On her own time, Shakila brought one of our patients who had been a long-term patient for many months outside for a walk on a sunny day when he was really not doing well emotionally.
I spoke with him the following day and he was so bright and cheery. I believe by taking him on that walk she gave him hope, something to look forward to. He passed away a few days later and I believe that Shakila's actions gave him the ability to let go and accept his end of life, it allowed his last days to be beautiful. It made a difference.