A patient was admitted to the CVICU after collapsing at home and then arrested on arrival to the hospital. On admission to the CVICU, the patient was having severe seizures post-arrest and progressed to near brain death. This patient was a 56-year-old man with a wife, 2 sons, and a grandson. He was also a sheriff.

Stephanie took care of the patient and family for several days in a row. She was there with them during the conversation with Life Center and extended her shift so she could be the one to accompany the patient to the OR for organ donation. Unfortunately, the patient did not progress to cardiac death and the donation did not happen, so Stephanie accompanied the patient back to the unit and the family- the patient “lived 2 more days”.

During this time, Stephanie shared that her dad was a sheriff, and she could relate to the patient and family and the “police family” that was holding vigil. Stephanie not only connected with the family as a nurse but as part of the “police family” that she understood and she herself is a part of. Having had several conversations with the Lieutenant who sat vigil in the CVICU waiting room – just to meet the needs of the family, I realized there are huge similarities with our professions.

As Bethesda and Trihealth serve our communities- Stephanie exemplified her service to not only a family but the police family. I just received a Thank You card from his wife.

In it, she writes, “We wanted to drop a small, tiny thank you for everything you’ve done for [my husband] and the extreme kindness our family was shown during one of the hardest things we’ve endured. We hope you continue that level of care throughout all this craziness (covid). Thank you so much again!”