There are many special people who help others on a daily basis, but sometimes you meet someone who is extraordinary in not only what they do, but their total being. Someone who goes above and beyond to make a huge difference in the lives of others. Nikki is that someone I will never forget.
My 94-year-old father was admitted to the Heart and Vascular Unit after a minor heart attack. It seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary since he had a history of multiple cardiac events, bypass surgeries, and stent placements. In my dad's mind, there was no reason to think he wouldn't bounce back like always. In time, it was evident his health was on a steady decline due to a failing heart, kidneys and aspiration pneumonia. Each day became a bit rougher as we passed into the "comfort care" stage. It became increasingly difficult and heartbreaking to watch his decline. However, Nikki was our gift and beacon of light in our hour of darkness.
Words cannot express my gratitude as I recall the multitude of ways she helped my dad and our family get through this challenging time. Her compassionate care knew no boundaries. It was always to the best of her ability to do it all and then some. If his cough was worsening, she was thinking of new ways to get better control. Her attitude was always so positive. It was never, "We can't do that," but rather, "What more can be done?" When the cough was nearly impossible to control, she never gave up. From cough drops and respiratory therapy visits to PRN dilaudid and morphine orders, Nikki thought of and tried everything to be sure my dad was always comfortable. It seemed as though he was her only patient, because she was so dedicated to being present and accountable for him. This meant the world to him, to my family and to me at such a difficult time!
Nikki was the ultimate patient advocate in every sense of the word. She made sure he always had liquids, a snack, or a meal available at all times. She advocated to get rid of his salt restriction, low fat and cardiac diet when comfort care was in fact the best plan. Nikki not only advocated for her patient, but also for our family. After attending to my dad and his needs, she would always ask if there was anything she could do or get for us. She is a nurse with a global view that not only improves the wellbeing of her patients, but for others as well.
Besides lifting our spirits, just her very presence was a reassurance that we would be having the best nursing care available. Her beautiful smile, her caring touch, her genuine concern, and kneeling down to my dad's level to have a conversation, were all hallmarks of her thoughtful and compassionate manner of communication. I will be forever grateful for the heart to heart talk she had with me when I was feeling sad about the end of life news I had received from the doctor earlier in the day. Like a best friend, she sat next to me on the couch and genuinely asked me how I was doing. The answer was evident in my tearful expression of grief and sadness. For many this would have been a challenging conversation to have, but Nikki jumped right in and said she couldn't pretend to know what I was feeling, but eagerly shared a story of personal loss that indicated she had a very good sense of what I was experiencing. My heart filled with gratitude and a sense of peace as I listened to what she had to say. Just knowing that she truly cared how I was feeling was such a comfort to me.
I am so grateful for the gift of her time and presence during that sorrowful evening. I am a pharmacist; therefore I recognize the challenges and rewards of working with others on a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Nikki is a true team player. Over the course of my dad's hospital stay, I saw her interact with many healthcare professionals and she always demonstrated kindness, concern, compassion, skill, knowledge and mutual respect. When the dilaudid didn't seem to work as well as the morphine for cough control, she contacted the doctor for his assessment. Ever diligent about positioning, she always coordinated with the team to be sure my dad was sitting up for meals or taking liquids. When the representative from Agrace came to assess my dad for admission, Nikki asked her if there was anything more that could be done to make my dad more comfortable. Of course, she had already covered all the bases, but this was one more health care professional that might offer a new idea she could implement.
Without a doubt, Nikki is the best team member you could hope for. Thank you, Nikki, from the bottom of my heart for all that you do for your patients, their families and your coworkers. I will never forget you and the loving kindness you have shown our family. We are forever grateful!