Brooke was recently involved in a very emotionally difficult case where she showed an extraordinary level of nursing care. The patient required frequent assessment and intervention, and Brooke never missed a beat. She recognized trends in patient status and effortlessly acted without hesitation. One might expect these few things out of any PICU nurse, but the compassion that Brooke showed to the patient and their family was exceptional.
In a time of certain horror for a family, Brooke helped a mother find a sense of peace. I will always remember one particular example of this night that stands out to me. During a very busy time of the night for this patient, Brooke made it her priority to get the patient's mother lying in bed with her son. This was a complicated task due to the acuity level of the patient, but Brooke knew this task was ultimately the most important she would face in the night. After Brooke helped this mother into her son's bed, she remained by the mother's side for the next hour providing a listening ear and a crying shoulder. The relief and emotion that the mother showed towards her son that night were all possible because of Brooke and her exceptional care.
The compassion that Brooke showed to this patient and the mother was remarkable. She displayed a very high level of care that can never be taught. She did this by taking care of not only the patient but the family. I know in the future, Brooke will always do what's right for kids, and their families too.