This past December our family suffered the loss of my sister, J. J had MS and had frequently been in and out of NCH with complications in the preceding months. Stephanie had actually met J during one of the previous visits and was very caring, efficient, and pleasant to deal with. During her last admission, while trying to set up Hospice Services, J suddenly declined in the hospital. At that time, she was on 3 South and Stephanie had taken direct care of her some days, or was the Charge Nurse other days, but continued to follow J's progress and needs. Our father had visited one day and was taken back by J's sudden decline and left the hospital very upset.
Stephanie took the time to call me right away and let me know, which our whole family greatly appreciated. She worked very hard to get us a private room as quickly as possible to make our time with my sister a little more comfortable. She made sure the hospital brought up a bereavement cart daily with drinks and snacks for the family, and frequently checked in with whoever was in the room to make sure that we had everything we needed. I was staying every night and Stephanie was not pleased to find out that I had been sleeping in a reclining chair, so that evening she brought in a real bed for me. She was always so patient and kind with us, despite some very high emotions and confusing times. She took the time to really explain what was going on and what to expect as the days progressed, even if it meant she had to repeat it all again to the next round of visitors. She played a huge role in making us as comfortable as she could during this difficult time without any signs of frustration, or ever being too busy to help, even when she was in charge of the whole floor.
During transition of care from NCH to Vitas, she made sure J was as comfortable as possible before leaving NCH. Stephanie displays all the wonderful characteristics a nurse should have, but went above and beyond with my family and me with her compassion and patience. Grieving has been hard...I can't help but think it would have been worse had Stephanie not played a part in J's last days. Thank you so much Stephanie!