Shelby Gilkey
December 2020
Shelby
Gilkey
,
RN
Progressive Care Unit
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
When the family can't be involved in the patient’s care and be at the bedside, it’s nurses like Shelby who really bring peace of mind and heart.
My grandmother was in the hospital at Northside Gwinnett for 28 days with a diagnosis of COVID, pulmonary edema, bilateral pneumonia, and aspiration. Due to the visitation policy, the family was unable to visit for the duration of her stay. As a nurse myself, I struggled with not being able to be at her bedside. My grandfather also struggled immensely, being without his wife of 62 years was extremely difficult. She went from PCU to 5S and back to PCU.
Throughout her journey, we struggled to receive updates and information at times. We really felt that we were at a loss. Then Shelby came along. When Shelby took care of my grandmother, you could tell that she had a great sense of compassion. She would call with updates, answers to the thousands of questions we had, and even let her FaceTime us when no one else had offered! It was absolutely amazing to finally get to see her face after so long. Unfortunately, that's when we realized how sick she really was. She was exhausted, weak, and tired of fighting. Thankfully, Shelby was there to walk us through that moment also. She and the social worker were absolutely amazing! She was able to tell my grandmother that we were bringing her home and said my grandmother perked up and was the most lively that she had seen. What a blessing that was to us!
Shelby went as far as to pack all of the belongings and supplies that we may need for home. She even sent me a personal note--what an amazing testament to the caring heart and compassionate care that she gives. When the family can't be involved in the patient's care and be at the bedside, it's nurses like her who really bring peace of mind and heart. Even though my grandmother passed the day after arriving at home, we will forever be grateful for the help getting hospice arranged and the reassurance that was given to my grandmother. If Shelby had not talked my grandmother through those final days, I don't know that she would have made it as long as she had. She gave her hope! As a fellow nurse, I will forever be thankful for her...and I know my entire family feels the same!
Throughout her journey, we struggled to receive updates and information at times. We really felt that we were at a loss. Then Shelby came along. When Shelby took care of my grandmother, you could tell that she had a great sense of compassion. She would call with updates, answers to the thousands of questions we had, and even let her FaceTime us when no one else had offered! It was absolutely amazing to finally get to see her face after so long. Unfortunately, that's when we realized how sick she really was. She was exhausted, weak, and tired of fighting. Thankfully, Shelby was there to walk us through that moment also. She and the social worker were absolutely amazing! She was able to tell my grandmother that we were bringing her home and said my grandmother perked up and was the most lively that she had seen. What a blessing that was to us!
Shelby went as far as to pack all of the belongings and supplies that we may need for home. She even sent me a personal note--what an amazing testament to the caring heart and compassionate care that she gives. When the family can't be involved in the patient's care and be at the bedside, it's nurses like her who really bring peace of mind and heart. Even though my grandmother passed the day after arriving at home, we will forever be grateful for the help getting hospice arranged and the reassurance that was given to my grandmother. If Shelby had not talked my grandmother through those final days, I don't know that she would have made it as long as she had. She gave her hope! As a fellow nurse, I will forever be thankful for her...and I know my entire family feels the same!