The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of disruption in the lives of patients, their families, and all the staff that work in the hospital. We have all had to adapt in a number of ways to care for our patients and families especially with the visitor restrictions that are in place. Not only can families not visit, but also, I cannot simply call a local faith leader (e.g. Catholic or a JCLDS Priest) when needed for support.
One afternoon I get a call from an ICU RN. A patient's family member had asked if a JCLDS Priest could visit the patient and offer an Anointing of Healing. The patient had been in the hospital for a long time - meaning that his family had not seen him in at least that period. I call the patient's daughter to introduce myself and explain the visitor restrictions.
She understood our precautions and appreciated any support or prayer I could offer; however, she requested that if there was a staff member who belonged to the JCLDS tradition if they could offer the anointing. I agreed to do what I could and investigate the opportunity. When I went to talk to the RN, he knew of an RN he used to work with who was JCLDS, Travis Nye, on 1N and it so happened that Travis was at work that day.
I have worked with Travis for over a year now and he has been a great team member and advocate for spiritual care. When I went to his unit to explain the situation he did not hesitate to agree to come by the room at the end of his shift. Once Travis had given his report to the night RN he came down to the ICU, I called the patient's daughter, and placed them on speakerphone so that she could be a part of the blessing. When we went into the room Travis offered the anointing and provided some compassionate words to the daughter before going home for the night.
I believe this action warrants consideration for a DAISY Award because Travis took extra time to come down after his shift and offer the appropriate prayers of healing for the patient which the family was highly appreciative of. Travis would probably say that he was just fulfilling his calling as a member of the JCLDS Church and he would be correct. However, it is still an outstanding moment of compassion where an RN responded to their call as a caregiver and a leader in their church to offer healing and compassion to a patient and family in the way they needed at that moment.
Thank you, Travis, for being a great RN and leader.