Heather took care of my brother D while he was in your ICU. D was there less than 24 hours and Heather cared for him 12 ½ of those hours. My brother came in with acute renal failure, septic, hypotensive and newly diagnosed liver cancer. My siblings and I had just learned he had cancer on Monday morning and by Thursday evening he was gone.
I arrived at 0700 after a 3 hour drive; my younger brother was already there. Heather allowed me to see D for a few minutes, even though it was shift handoff, before asking us to step out. After we were allowed back in she explained what had transpired since D arrived in the ICU and what the immediate plans were. D was in tremendous pain. Heather monitored it closely and provided what pain medicine she could due to the severe hypotension. When physicians came in she would come in with them and listen to their explanation to us so if I had questions, she knew exactly what we had been told. She also allowed us our privacy with the physicians and with my brother and family.
After hearing that D had just hours to live because there was nothing they could do, I felt comfortable coming to Heather with questions. She was very approachable, compassionate and honest. She explained our options at that point. Heather helped my brother make his decision to stop the Levophed that was keeping him alive. She provided support from the Chaplains Service and Palliative Care. She explained about your hospice unit if we needed to transfer. Heather kept D comfortable until all his family and best friend could get there so he could say his goodbyes.
When Heather came in to care for my brother or to give pain medication, she would engage him in conversation. She was even able to get him to laugh. She asked about his military service and thanked him for it.
When we were told that once the Levophed was stopped he may only have a couple hours to live, my niece became hysterical. At some point she left the room and neither my sister-in-law nor I knew where she was. Heather had kept an eye on her and let us know she was ok. Heather directed her back to the room after some time had passed. Heather appeared to be very comfortable in dealing with our family members and her ease made it easier for us.
Heather's shift ended before my brother passed away, but she was there when the Levophed was stopped, giving explanations every step. She provided him with pain medication. When his respirations became so rapid, she gave medication to help him relax. She always gave explanations for everything she did. Heather came and said goodbye to us which we all appreciated. My sister-in-law and nephew have said how much they liked Heather and the wonderful care she gave D. My nephew really appreciated that she could make his father laugh during his last few hours and that she asked about and thanked him for his service.
His services were beautiful with a 21 gun salute by members of the VFW. I in turn thanked each of them and bag pipes played Amazing Grace. As an oncology/med/surg nurse I recognize the exceptional care, compassion and comfort that Heather provided for my brother and family. I know she deserves the DAISY Award.