Alice Withers
October 2019
Alice
Withers
,
RN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Glendale
,
AZ
United States
It has been a somber summer in the PICU and through all of the emotions, Alice was there standing strong to support many families that had to turn and walk away without their most precious possession, their child.
Alice personally put together a memory box for a family that was having to withdraw care. She brought in a special box with a card and packed it with hand molds, locks of hair and hand/footprints for the family to take home. She knew how difficult it was going to be for this family, we always hope that "they" will get the opportunity to carry their child out of the PICU, but this family was not so fortunate, they instead carried out a box of memories. Alice's compassionate gesture meant a lot to this family and they expressed how grateful they were to have this gift to take home. She also provided them with counseling resources for their family to get help through this difficult time.
Another family that was not so fortunate remained in the room after Alice walked their child "down"; when she returned and saw the mother still at the bedside weeping, she went in there to console her. Alice reached for the mom's hand and told her that this baby was not left "alone" down there. That statement was comforting to this mother and it was almost like Alice knew she needed to hear that in order to pick herself up and find the strength to walk away from the last crib her child had been in.
Although nursing is often described as one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers, there are days when we feel defeated and our hearts carry the heavy feeling of grief and loss. Some days it's hard to come back to a story that is not going to end well, having to make another walk "down" that dreaded hallway, having to say "I'm so sorry" and yet finding the strength within yourself to go back and put a smile on for the family in the next room because they have no idea of the agony your heart is feeling.
Alice goes above and beyond for these families and is able to provide comfort and still remain strong for the other families that still need her. She is an extraordinary nurse.
Alice personally put together a memory box for a family that was having to withdraw care. She brought in a special box with a card and packed it with hand molds, locks of hair and hand/footprints for the family to take home. She knew how difficult it was going to be for this family, we always hope that "they" will get the opportunity to carry their child out of the PICU, but this family was not so fortunate, they instead carried out a box of memories. Alice's compassionate gesture meant a lot to this family and they expressed how grateful they were to have this gift to take home. She also provided them with counseling resources for their family to get help through this difficult time.
Another family that was not so fortunate remained in the room after Alice walked their child "down"; when she returned and saw the mother still at the bedside weeping, she went in there to console her. Alice reached for the mom's hand and told her that this baby was not left "alone" down there. That statement was comforting to this mother and it was almost like Alice knew she needed to hear that in order to pick herself up and find the strength to walk away from the last crib her child had been in.
Although nursing is often described as one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers, there are days when we feel defeated and our hearts carry the heavy feeling of grief and loss. Some days it's hard to come back to a story that is not going to end well, having to make another walk "down" that dreaded hallway, having to say "I'm so sorry" and yet finding the strength within yourself to go back and put a smile on for the family in the next room because they have no idea of the agony your heart is feeling.
Alice goes above and beyond for these families and is able to provide comfort and still remain strong for the other families that still need her. She is an extraordinary nurse.