Fran
Wilk
May 2012
Fran
Wilk
,
RN
ICU
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
Downers Grove
,
IL
United States
This is acknowledgement of Critical Care Nurse, Fran Wilk, and the compassion and flexibility that she exhibited at our first memorial service for organ donors on Sunday, April 22, 2012. I knew of Fran's level of commitment because of serving with her on the hospital Ethics Committee as well as working with her on a daily basis in Critical Care. Because of this I asked if she would be willing to speak at our event on the topic of organ donation from a caregiver's perspective. Without hesitation, she agreed even though the event was on her day off.
After Fran's talk it was a general consensus that her message was exceptionally meaningful for the families present. During the reception, numerous people commented on the tone of her speech which emphasized caring for patients with utmost dignity and respect every step of the way.
Among our many guests, there were numerous people grappling with residual grief from the tragic losses of their loved ones. Many attendees expressed that they found Fran's words to be encouraging and comforting to them during her talk on beginning to end care for patients who would become donors as well as their families.
As Fran spoke, I was convinced that our choice was a great one. Fran was poised, calm and yet personable as if she were speaking to each and every person individually. Many of the speakers chose to use manuscripts to convey their messages. Fran, however, expressed that it was her intention to be spontaneous and speak directly from her spirit which she so effectively achieved. For many attendees, this helped them to feel closure and peace. So many people fear what goes on behind the scenes when their loved ones are removed from their sight. However, Fran's words helped them to believe that their loved ones were cared for in the manner in which she so gently shared in her speech.
My colleagues and I are all so very proud of Fran and how powerfully she represented our Critical Care Unit with her poignant message. Fran truly was one of the bright shining highlights in our program and we are all so appreciative of her and the care that she provides here at Good Samaritan Hospital.
After Fran's talk it was a general consensus that her message was exceptionally meaningful for the families present. During the reception, numerous people commented on the tone of her speech which emphasized caring for patients with utmost dignity and respect every step of the way.
Among our many guests, there were numerous people grappling with residual grief from the tragic losses of their loved ones. Many attendees expressed that they found Fran's words to be encouraging and comforting to them during her talk on beginning to end care for patients who would become donors as well as their families.
As Fran spoke, I was convinced that our choice was a great one. Fran was poised, calm and yet personable as if she were speaking to each and every person individually. Many of the speakers chose to use manuscripts to convey their messages. Fran, however, expressed that it was her intention to be spontaneous and speak directly from her spirit which she so effectively achieved. For many attendees, this helped them to feel closure and peace. So many people fear what goes on behind the scenes when their loved ones are removed from their sight. However, Fran's words helped them to believe that their loved ones were cared for in the manner in which she so gently shared in her speech.
My colleagues and I are all so very proud of Fran and how powerfully she represented our Critical Care Unit with her poignant message. Fran truly was one of the bright shining highlights in our program and we are all so appreciative of her and the care that she provides here at Good Samaritan Hospital.