April 2022
Valerie
Clarke
,
BSN, RN, CCRN, CEN
Critical Care
HonorHealth/John C. Lincoln Medical Center
Phoenix
,
AZ
United States
While it was heartbreaking, Val leveraged the art of nursing to make the most of those last moments.
Recently, Val Clarke floated from the ED to the CC unit and was assigned to care for the patient. This patient's family had chosen to work with Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) to donate his organs and Val worked to provide care not only for the patient but for his family too. Val assisted with coordinating information between the patient's doctors and the DNA team. The CC unit director commented that "I did spend time with her yesterday and watched how she supported the patient's mom, including allowing her to get into bed with the patient. While it was heartbreaking, Val leveraged the art of nursing to make the most of those last moments." The DNA team also expressed to me how great it was working with Val who showed knowledge of working with donor patients and families as well as the JCLMC care team that was invaluable to them. Val worked overtime that night wanting to be with the patient and family until he was declared and taken to the OR. I watched her that evening interacting with family, training a nurse on the donor process, and working with JCLMC doctors and OR staff during the withdrawal of life support, I am in awe of her abilities. This is not a situation that is easily navigated, but Val's care and attention appeared to make everything flow without any problems and with great compassion.