I went to see a patient in the ICU and she was so grateful for the care Erika Halloran delivered. Erika spent 2 hours with the patient cleaning and caring for her skin. She has severe moisture associated skin damage (MASD) everywhere and the pain is considered similar to a second-degree burn when the skin is open like hers was on admission. Erika not only utilized all the tools we have available to combat MASD, but she took the time, with the caring tradition we at SMJH are known for. This patient needed intensive care monitoring and often skin falls second to blood pressure maintenance and airway. Erika found the time to take care of this patient and although the patient cannot write quite yet, she relayed her extreme gratitude. "For the first time in years, it doesn't hurt."
When I assessed the patient, her skin was healing. All interventions I would have pulled out of my bag had been done. I shared with the patient my desire to recognize this young nurse for taking time, compassion and caring with her and she wholeheartedly agreed.