My mother has never been sick before, so being hospitalized for such a lengthy time was obviously difficult on her and our family. She's usually very independent and on the go. She's always the one helping and caring for everyone else and usually very rarely is accepting help from anyone else. Her first week hospitalized was at another facility (where I work) she accepted very little help from anyone and relied on me to help her with anything regardless if I was working or not. Then she was transferred to Tufts, her first ICU stay was a little over a week. I don't remember much of that week but I know that the care was amazing. I felt comfortable leaving my mom every night, knowing she was in good hands. Fast forward a couple of weeks and my mom was moved back into the ICU on a Sunday night for "closer observation". During the next five weeks, my mom and family grew to love your ICU staff. The nurses, techs, and respiratory therapists were nothing short of amazing.
I don't know at what point we first met Kathy McSweeney, but I do know that Kathy is a DAISY Nurse. During such a difficult time for not only my mom but our family, she provided comfort. I don't know how many times she took care of my mom as an actual patient. But she was always peeking her head in even when she wasn't her patient, checking in and seeing how she was doing. It was nice to have a familiar face.
She allowed her to feel as normal and independent as possible. The Friday before my mom was transferred to MGH, Kathy, my mom and I were all sitting in the room talking. Kathy said "how are we going to get you to MGH sooner? How are we going to get this ball rolling?" I've always been my mom's biggest advocate but that night Kathy promised she would advocate for her on the days that I cannot be present. The impact Kathy has left on my mom's life and mine is an impact that I hope I have on at least one of my patients in my career because, I too, am a nurse. I know she was just doing her job but she went above and beyond and left a lasting impact on all of us.