Erin Spreitzer
May 2016
Erin
Spreitzer
,
RN, BSN
medical/surgical
Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University
Columbus
,
OH
United States
Erin had a patient last weekend who was a DNR-CC and actively dying. This man and his family were local to Columbus, and often had friends and family in and out to visit. Family was often leaving the room, to take breaks or get food. Each time they left the room, Erin, while managing an entire patient assignment, was in his room. I happened to be the charge nurse that day and rounded the halls frequently.
One time in particular, I passed the room and heard her talking to someone. I opened the door and found her sitting at the bedside of this patient, holding his hand and reading him a card that his family had left for him. She remained in the room that day, holding the patient's hand and talking to him even though he was completely non-responsive and toward the end of the process of dying. Each time the patient was alone, she was there with him, holding his hand. Erin also made sure the family was comfortable by bringing them food, hugging them, bringing any medication for the patient that they requested; each time with a compassionate and empathetic smile. Towards the end of the shift, the patient expired, which happened to be Erin's first experience with a patient's death.
Erin remained her usual amazing self throughout the experience. As we were out in the hallway and the family was starting to leave, the patient's wife and children approached her in tears and were expressing how thankful they were for her. They kept saying, "Thank you so much. You are absolutely amazing. You made this awful experience so much better just by being YOU." I couldn't have agreed more with everything they were saying. For such a traumatic experience for a family to endure, their interaction with Erin is absolutely something they will remember forever.
Erin has a very wise mind for a new nurse, and I genuinely believe this is something she was put on this earth to do. She very clearly puts the needs of others before her own in each aspect of her life. This med/surg unit is incredibly lucky to have such a nurse. Each patient she cares for, she cares for in this exact manner.
One time in particular, I passed the room and heard her talking to someone. I opened the door and found her sitting at the bedside of this patient, holding his hand and reading him a card that his family had left for him. She remained in the room that day, holding the patient's hand and talking to him even though he was completely non-responsive and toward the end of the process of dying. Each time the patient was alone, she was there with him, holding his hand. Erin also made sure the family was comfortable by bringing them food, hugging them, bringing any medication for the patient that they requested; each time with a compassionate and empathetic smile. Towards the end of the shift, the patient expired, which happened to be Erin's first experience with a patient's death.
Erin remained her usual amazing self throughout the experience. As we were out in the hallway and the family was starting to leave, the patient's wife and children approached her in tears and were expressing how thankful they were for her. They kept saying, "Thank you so much. You are absolutely amazing. You made this awful experience so much better just by being YOU." I couldn't have agreed more with everything they were saying. For such a traumatic experience for a family to endure, their interaction with Erin is absolutely something they will remember forever.
Erin has a very wise mind for a new nurse, and I genuinely believe this is something she was put on this earth to do. She very clearly puts the needs of others before her own in each aspect of her life. This med/surg unit is incredibly lucky to have such a nurse. Each patient she cares for, she cares for in this exact manner.