August 2015
Kristin
Powell
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
UW Health
Madison
,
WI
United States
We first met Kristin on the B6/6 unit in late September 2014 when my Mom was admitted for a bone marrow transplant to treat her MDS. Even then Kristin was such an amazing source of compassion and encouragement. She was always meeting my Mom's needs and sometimes even anticipating them. My Mom felt well enough to make some cards during her initial stay and was well known for her Minion cards. During the months after her discharge my Mom continued her recovery but sadly started having some minor GVHD. In April 2015 the GVHD turned into a more serious situation and my Mom was readmitted to UW and the B6/6 unit. Kristin remembered my Mom from her initial stay and had hung a Minion picture on the board of her room for her arrival.
My Mom spent the next 8 weeks at UW Hospital with most of her time on the B6/6 unit but did spend some days in the TLC unit including her final hours. Kristin continued to be such an amazing nurse. Even when 'Myrtle' (what my Mom named her IV pump) would misbehave Kristin would still be smiling every time she entered the room. She made sure that my Mom received the best care possible; she made sure that we knew what was going on, had the latest updates and understood everything.
As my Mom's condition continued to worsen Kristin could tell when things weren't quite right and would try to get us answers to whatever the new problem was as fast as she could. She continued to be encouraging when it was needed and would continue to offer praise for whatever task my Mom was able to complete on her own. Kristin helped us in getting my Mom outside during the final days of her life, which Mom absolutely loved! The very last day of my Mom's life and one of the hardest for my Stepdad and me. These are some of the moments I am most grateful for having Kristin as our nurse. Kristin had called me that morning to update me on my Mom's declining condition and to tell me that she had the doctors see her right away. Before I arrived to the hospital I had received another phone call from the NP to let me know my Mom's condition was continuing to decline. By the time I arrived on the unit my Mom was not doing well and was waiting transfer to the TLC. Things were on a much more critical level. Kristin helped me to be able to go inside, despite the mass of health care workers in her room, so that I could say hello to her, to let her know I was there, squeeze her hand and kiss her forehead! My Mom didn't say anything but she was able to open her eyes and look at me; those are moments that I will always treasure! As I sat at the end of the hall on the B/-6 unit waiting for them to move my Mom to the TLC, Kristin made sure to keep me updated, had a Chaplain come and sit with me, and made sure I was ok and that my Mom's needs continued to be met.
After my Mom was moved to the TLC things didn't go as we had hoped and prayed. My Mom's condition took a tragic turn for the worst. As the morning/afternoon progressed, it was clear that there was nothing else that could be done. We were informed that the machines were keeping her alive. Despite my Mom's fighting spirit and the doctor and nurses best attempts, the end was quickly approaching. I asked the TLC staff to call up to B6/6 to let Kristin know. Not only did Kristin get the message, but she came down to the TLC. She stayed with my Mom, my Stepdad, and me while we said our final goodbyes and let my Mom go. She sat by us, she hugged us, she held my Mom's hand and once again praised her for her valiant fight. She continued to take care of us all during those final moments!
The amount of care and compassion shown and given to us was amazing! She did not have to come spend those final moments with us, but she made it happen and I will be forever in her debt. She made one of the hardest moments of my life a little easier to deal with. We could all feel the love in the room and I hope my Mom was able to feel it too! Kristin will always be remembered by us as an angel here on earth! We couldn't have asked for anyone better to take care of my Mom (and us)! Kristin is a phenomenal nurse, a beautiful person and an extraordinary asset to UW Hospital and the B6/6 unit. Whether she realizes it or not, she made a huge difference to all of us and there is no way that we could ever thank her enough or repay her. I hope this nomination for the DAISY Award at least lets her know just how very important she was in our lives and how fondly we will always remember her and the compassionate care she provided for all of us.
My Mom spent the next 8 weeks at UW Hospital with most of her time on the B6/6 unit but did spend some days in the TLC unit including her final hours. Kristin continued to be such an amazing nurse. Even when 'Myrtle' (what my Mom named her IV pump) would misbehave Kristin would still be smiling every time she entered the room. She made sure that my Mom received the best care possible; she made sure that we knew what was going on, had the latest updates and understood everything.
As my Mom's condition continued to worsen Kristin could tell when things weren't quite right and would try to get us answers to whatever the new problem was as fast as she could. She continued to be encouraging when it was needed and would continue to offer praise for whatever task my Mom was able to complete on her own. Kristin helped us in getting my Mom outside during the final days of her life, which Mom absolutely loved! The very last day of my Mom's life and one of the hardest for my Stepdad and me. These are some of the moments I am most grateful for having Kristin as our nurse. Kristin had called me that morning to update me on my Mom's declining condition and to tell me that she had the doctors see her right away. Before I arrived to the hospital I had received another phone call from the NP to let me know my Mom's condition was continuing to decline. By the time I arrived on the unit my Mom was not doing well and was waiting transfer to the TLC. Things were on a much more critical level. Kristin helped me to be able to go inside, despite the mass of health care workers in her room, so that I could say hello to her, to let her know I was there, squeeze her hand and kiss her forehead! My Mom didn't say anything but she was able to open her eyes and look at me; those are moments that I will always treasure! As I sat at the end of the hall on the B/-6 unit waiting for them to move my Mom to the TLC, Kristin made sure to keep me updated, had a Chaplain come and sit with me, and made sure I was ok and that my Mom's needs continued to be met.
After my Mom was moved to the TLC things didn't go as we had hoped and prayed. My Mom's condition took a tragic turn for the worst. As the morning/afternoon progressed, it was clear that there was nothing else that could be done. We were informed that the machines were keeping her alive. Despite my Mom's fighting spirit and the doctor and nurses best attempts, the end was quickly approaching. I asked the TLC staff to call up to B6/6 to let Kristin know. Not only did Kristin get the message, but she came down to the TLC. She stayed with my Mom, my Stepdad, and me while we said our final goodbyes and let my Mom go. She sat by us, she hugged us, she held my Mom's hand and once again praised her for her valiant fight. She continued to take care of us all during those final moments!
The amount of care and compassion shown and given to us was amazing! She did not have to come spend those final moments with us, but she made it happen and I will be forever in her debt. She made one of the hardest moments of my life a little easier to deal with. We could all feel the love in the room and I hope my Mom was able to feel it too! Kristin will always be remembered by us as an angel here on earth! We couldn't have asked for anyone better to take care of my Mom (and us)! Kristin is a phenomenal nurse, a beautiful person and an extraordinary asset to UW Hospital and the B6/6 unit. Whether she realizes it or not, she made a huge difference to all of us and there is no way that we could ever thank her enough or repay her. I hope this nomination for the DAISY Award at least lets her know just how very important she was in our lives and how fondly we will always remember her and the compassionate care she provided for all of us.