Linda's clinical skill and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model.
In December we had a patient who had a history of respiratory issues related to some underlying medical conditions. He was nearing the ends of medical intervention since his parents did not wish to intubate, trach, or have a g-tube placed due to the quality of life he would have. As a result, the PICU team was trying to help him make it through the holidays for the family. Linda was the Charge Nurse that night and let the bedside nurse know she was there for her in any shape or form. She offered to help jaw thrust to give the nurse a break. When it was determined we would turn off the oxygen and let the patient go if that's what his body wanted. Linda went out of her way to make sure he had something Christmas like for him to wear and that he had Christmas music playing in the background. If it was the patient's time to go she wanted him to have one last Christmas memory. She also asked me to help the nurse however I could because he shouldn't have to die alone.
I've worked with Linda for many years and she was my preceptor as well. In that moment it became very clear that not only did I look up to Linda for her nursing knowledge and wisdom, but for her patient advocacy. I truly got to see it in action at that very moment. She also made sure we did the hand and footprints for mom and dad. Sometimes we get caught up in the moment and big picture. But that moment really made me think; I would want something like that if it were my child. Especially since family was not able to come and be with him at that moment. She also took the time to stay in the room to honor him and be a support system for the bedside nurse. He ended up passing a few hours after that, but she continually made sure someone was able to support the nurse whether it was meds to keep him comfortable, to give her a break, or just having an extra person there supporting her.
Linda is definitely the type of nurse I strive to be and pride working with every shift.