June 2015
Destiney
Okonski
,
RN
ICU
Memorial Hospital of South Bend
South Bend
,
IN
United States
My father-in-law was admitted from Bremen Hospital to Memorial's ICU. He was unresponsive and in respiratory failure. He had a DNR and we prepared for the worst. His admitting nurse was Destiney. I will never forget her, nor will my family. She is what a nurse should be in every aspect. She gently spoke to us about his condition, which was frail. She also discussed code status, options and a plan of care. She, along with his doctors, saved his life that night. Her gentleness, intelligence and skill were impressive to say the least and her impact will last a lifetime for my family. By morning we knew he was going to be okay. His care in the ICU was impressive the whole time, but Destiney was our angel. My father-in-law never got to actually meet her, but I'm so blessed that God placed her there that night. Nursing was indeed her calling.