Amanda Kemp
January 2020
Amanda
Kemp
,
RN
Acute Cardiac Unit
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottingham
United Kingdom
My mum was admitted to ACU after having a heart attack. Unfortunately, she was too sick for intervention and she passed away the following day. My family and I stayed with my mum for the 24 hours that she was there.
Every single professional we met in that 24 hour period was wonderful and we would like to thank each and every one of them. On the day Mum died, another more junior nurse was looking after her with the support of a health care assistant. I got the impression that Amanda was supporting them both.
During the morning, Amanda took my sister and me to a quiet room to update us. We discussed our options and we felt that we did not want my Mum to have any more interventions. We agreed that she should have end of life care.
I think this must have been a challenging conversation for Amanda. We were obviously upset and I know I asked lots of difficult questions. She handled it so well, was so calm, so beautifully compassionate and absolutely supportive of our wishes.
Throughout the day Amanda popped in and out several times and intervened when she thought my Mum needed it. I suspect it was a difficult day for the junior nurse looking after us but Amanda was there in the background, clearly supporting and overseeing Mum's care. She ensured timely medication was given and gave her suction when she was struggling to breathe. She just seemed to instinctively know when more support was needed, both for us and the staff who were looking after Mum.
My mum passed away peacefully and with dignity that evening surrounded by her family and in a beautiful calm environment. We were in a side room. I'm sure it was busy outside but in that room it was peaceful. After Mum died, Amanda came in and gently re-positioned her, Mum looked so serene and comfortable. That simple act will stay with me for the rest of my life.
It was the end of a long day for the staff but Amanda came in before she went home and said goodbye to us all. Amanda was an absolute leader that day, supported us, supported her team and made sure my mum had wonderful care on the last day of her life.
We will never be able to thank her enough.
Every single professional we met in that 24 hour period was wonderful and we would like to thank each and every one of them. On the day Mum died, another more junior nurse was looking after her with the support of a health care assistant. I got the impression that Amanda was supporting them both.
During the morning, Amanda took my sister and me to a quiet room to update us. We discussed our options and we felt that we did not want my Mum to have any more interventions. We agreed that she should have end of life care.
I think this must have been a challenging conversation for Amanda. We were obviously upset and I know I asked lots of difficult questions. She handled it so well, was so calm, so beautifully compassionate and absolutely supportive of our wishes.
Throughout the day Amanda popped in and out several times and intervened when she thought my Mum needed it. I suspect it was a difficult day for the junior nurse looking after us but Amanda was there in the background, clearly supporting and overseeing Mum's care. She ensured timely medication was given and gave her suction when she was struggling to breathe. She just seemed to instinctively know when more support was needed, both for us and the staff who were looking after Mum.
My mum passed away peacefully and with dignity that evening surrounded by her family and in a beautiful calm environment. We were in a side room. I'm sure it was busy outside but in that room it was peaceful. After Mum died, Amanda came in and gently re-positioned her, Mum looked so serene and comfortable. That simple act will stay with me for the rest of my life.
It was the end of a long day for the staff but Amanda came in before she went home and said goodbye to us all. Amanda was an absolute leader that day, supported us, supported her team and made sure my mum had wonderful care on the last day of her life.
We will never be able to thank her enough.