My son D was diagnosed with cancer in late September. We found out about D's cancer diagnosis in the emergency room and were pushed up to the HOT unit from there. Brigid was our admitting nurse and she immediately took our family under her wing. She cared for us, she educated us, she listened to us, and most importantly she made this entire time less scary and more fun for our D. Brigid took exceptional care of our son. I could go on and on about Brigid and how wonderful she is but I'll share a few of the most impactful with you. She identified medical concerns on our second night in the hospital which resulted in immediate physician involvement and D getting transferred to the ICU where he got the care he needed. When D was anxious about getting admitted to the hospital for his second round of chemo, Brigid's smile helped him feel at ease. When D was nervous about going to the OR, Brigid made funny faces behind the glass on D's door to make him laugh. Brigid came in a few times during our first admission when D was sleeping and talked with me about how I was feeling and helped me process what was going on. It seemed like Brigid was with our family every step of the way and we are beyond grateful to her for this. She is an excellent nurse as well as a fabulous human being. We cannot thank her enough for what she did for our family during this trying time.
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Brigid is the definition of caring. She constantly displays kindness and compassion for others around her. It doesn't matter if it is a coworker, a patient, a family member, a visitor, or a volunteer, she is always kind. I think we overlook what a simple but extraordinary gift kindness can be. Being a nurse is showing up and treating your patient/family safely. Brigid is so much more than that. She is the nurse whom we all want caring for our child, sibling, parent, or loved one. She is one who doesn't hesitate to go the extra mile.
In the oncology field, we walk beside families - hand in hand - through the worst days of their lives. We watch parents as they use all the strength they possess to fight for their child and keep it together. We hold the hand of our kids as they get poked and prodded, as they get told terrible news, and as they soar and sing on their way out the door. Brigid is consistently devoted to the families in every one of these steps. She works to really know the families and their stories. She treats them all special as if they were the first and best family she could have. I have watched families who get overlooked truly feel understood because Brigid sits with them and listens to what truly matters most to them and their child.
I have learned so many valuable lessons in the time I have spent with Brigid. She has incredible strength and she works hard on her professional boundaries. She understands that to give in this job you have to have something to give. You have to take care of yourself in order to care for others around you. She has learned through years of experience how to be professional and relatable, compassionate and caring.
It is hard to truly give an accurate picture of the gift Brigid is to the HOT Unit and those she cares for but to say she exemplifies all that a nurse should be is saying the least. I look up to Brigid as a mentor and role model. She is the nurse I hope to one day become. I am honored to work with her.
Note: This is Brigid's 2nd DAISY Award!