Taylor A Smola
August 2023
Taylor A
Smola
,
BSN, RN
Surgical Progressive Unit
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St Louis
,
MO
United States
Taylor reassured my mom when needed to make healthcare decisions for my dad.
My dad’s journey to get a liver transplant was stressful. Stressful to him because of the numerous appointments and tests, the waiting to hear if he qualified as a transplant candidate, and the mental obstacles related to fear of surgery and hospitals. It was stressful for my mom too. She rode the rollercoaster of emotions every day, encouraging him on bad days and celebrating with him as they received news that another milestone towards approval had been achieved. But during this time of stress, there was the expectation of hope. Hope for a “normal” life resuming travel, spending time with friends and family, getting out to run errands, and going grocery shopping. The big and small aspects of a good life.
It was this hope that compelled my family forward after the transplant surgery. And even with the nearly 90 days, my dad was in the ICU and the Transplant Step Down Unit where he dealt with setback after setback, the glimmer of hope motivated us.
My dad received fantastic care from the entire care team in the ICU and in the step-down units during his three months at Barnes. My mom was there every day (and a lot of nights) and got to know the entire team. She knew about their families and talked to them about their vacations, and plans for their futures. Talking to the team was the way she passed the long days. Together they laughed, lent a supportive ear, and offered a shoulder to cry on when things got to be too much.
In particular, a nurse on the step-down unit Taylor Smola stands out. She not only took excellent care of my dad but excellent care of my mom. All the while as she was administering medications, performing wound care, and all the clinical activities of my dad’s care, she was talking to my mom. Educating her on what she was doing and why. Taylor reassured my mom when needed to make healthcare decisions for my dad. Taylor was constantly offering comfort to my mom through small ways - getting her a warm blanket or something to drink.
At the end of each shift, as she was saying her goodbyes, she let them know what days she would be working. They looked forward to the days when she would be my dad’s nurse. She provided care not only for her “official” patient – my dad, but she also provided care for my mom. These large and small actions helped my parents maintain their hope.
My dad didn’t make it. The many complications following the surgery were too great. But Taylor’s care for my mom didn’t end on the day my dad died. She has reached out to see how my mom has been doing. The relationship they formed while in the hospital has been sustained after we left, and they plan on meeting for breakfast once life settles back to normal.
The DAISY Award honors nurses who act compassionately and provide extraordinary care. Without question, Taylor exemplifies these qualities. Her compassion helped my parents, especially my mom, navigate a rough time, and inspire hope for the next chapter of our lives. We can’t thank her enough.
It was this hope that compelled my family forward after the transplant surgery. And even with the nearly 90 days, my dad was in the ICU and the Transplant Step Down Unit where he dealt with setback after setback, the glimmer of hope motivated us.
My dad received fantastic care from the entire care team in the ICU and in the step-down units during his three months at Barnes. My mom was there every day (and a lot of nights) and got to know the entire team. She knew about their families and talked to them about their vacations, and plans for their futures. Talking to the team was the way she passed the long days. Together they laughed, lent a supportive ear, and offered a shoulder to cry on when things got to be too much.
In particular, a nurse on the step-down unit Taylor Smola stands out. She not only took excellent care of my dad but excellent care of my mom. All the while as she was administering medications, performing wound care, and all the clinical activities of my dad’s care, she was talking to my mom. Educating her on what she was doing and why. Taylor reassured my mom when needed to make healthcare decisions for my dad. Taylor was constantly offering comfort to my mom through small ways - getting her a warm blanket or something to drink.
At the end of each shift, as she was saying her goodbyes, she let them know what days she would be working. They looked forward to the days when she would be my dad’s nurse. She provided care not only for her “official” patient – my dad, but she also provided care for my mom. These large and small actions helped my parents maintain their hope.
My dad didn’t make it. The many complications following the surgery were too great. But Taylor’s care for my mom didn’t end on the day my dad died. She has reached out to see how my mom has been doing. The relationship they formed while in the hospital has been sustained after we left, and they plan on meeting for breakfast once life settles back to normal.
The DAISY Award honors nurses who act compassionately and provide extraordinary care. Without question, Taylor exemplifies these qualities. Her compassion helped my parents, especially my mom, navigate a rough time, and inspire hope for the next chapter of our lives. We can’t thank her enough.