Shay Austin
August 2021
Shaynon
Austin
,
BS, RN
ICU
Newark-Wayne Community Hospital
Newark
,
NY
United States
Shay took the son aside and sat with him, talked to him, and comforted him while he wept. She provided amazing care to the patient and their family over the next few days until he passed.
I met Shay 3 years ago when I was shadowing in the ICU as a new nurse. I was so nervous but she was friendly and made me feel so comfortable. I was quickly impressed by the exceptional care that she provided to patients and have continued to be impressed on many occasions. Last year, she was one of the nurses that cared for our hospital's first organ donation case. She adjusted her schedule (back to night shift) at short notice so that the patient and their family could receive that continuity during a difficult time. She was patient with the family, answered their questions, and provided comfort in their time of need.
Most recently our unit had a COVID-19 patient who was critically ill and on a ventilator. Many of us cared for this patient but she had him on her assignment the most. Unfortunately, the patient took a turn and the decision was made to withdraw care. Shay was the nurse caring for him on this night. When the family came in they were having a hard time, especially the patient’s young son. Shay took the son aside and sat with him, talked to him, and comforted him while he wept. She provided amazing care to the patient and their family over the next few days until he passed.
Shay is also an incredible advocate not only while working but also outside of work. She is passionate about human equality and lifting others up. She is a member of GRA-FL and has on multiple occasions participated in their community service initiatives. In the past, she has volunteered to deliver for Meals-on-Wheels. On our unit, she frequently contributes ideas to improve patient care and experience. Prior to starting her Master's program she led unit council. She does all of this unassuming and never boastful. Sometimes I wonder if she realizes how great of a nurse she is. She has truly been a mentor to me over the past few years as well as others I'm sure. Our unit will truly be at a great loss when she leaves after completing her NP later this year.
Most recently our unit had a COVID-19 patient who was critically ill and on a ventilator. Many of us cared for this patient but she had him on her assignment the most. Unfortunately, the patient took a turn and the decision was made to withdraw care. Shay was the nurse caring for him on this night. When the family came in they were having a hard time, especially the patient’s young son. Shay took the son aside and sat with him, talked to him, and comforted him while he wept. She provided amazing care to the patient and their family over the next few days until he passed.
Shay is also an incredible advocate not only while working but also outside of work. She is passionate about human equality and lifting others up. She is a member of GRA-FL and has on multiple occasions participated in their community service initiatives. In the past, she has volunteered to deliver for Meals-on-Wheels. On our unit, she frequently contributes ideas to improve patient care and experience. Prior to starting her Master's program she led unit council. She does all of this unassuming and never boastful. Sometimes I wonder if she realizes how great of a nurse she is. She has truly been a mentor to me over the past few years as well as others I'm sure. Our unit will truly be at a great loss when she leaves after completing her NP later this year.