My dad was admitted into IU West and began receiving treatment for, among other things, a kidney stone too large to pass and for which he was unable to be sedated for removal due to chronic breathing issues. He was moved into ICU within the first day or two due to fluid buildup around his lungs. Over the weeks Dad was in the hospital, it seemed once the doctors found one issue and tried to correct it, another issue would present itself. My dad ended up being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and passing away at IU West just 16 days later.
During the majority of my dad's stay, he was in ICU. I cannot say enough about the outstanding care and concern each nurse gave to my dad, my sisters, my family members, and me. However, one nurse in particular, Sarah Ross, became an honorary part of our family due to her clinical knowledge, overwhelming compassion, and sense of humor.
My dad never liked hospitals in all of his 77 years and I think this stay was particularly difficult because his age and medical condition necessitated his having to rely on others to take care of basic needs. Sarah handled Dad's basic care in a way which preserved his dignity while maintaining a sense of lightheartedness in referring to his bathing as a "spa day". My dad never liked serious matters, so she related serious issues in a way which kept Dad receptive and compliant, without him feeling like he was being commanded. She listened to Dad's and our concerns about all facets of his care, answering questions in a way in which we understood, providing options, explaining expectations, and helping guide us to others within the hospital who may be able to provide information she could not. After Dad and we were told that there was nothing else the doctors could treat and that they recommended he be placed in palliative/hospice care, she helped ensure Dad was kept comfortable. Sarah listened to my sister and me when we bumped into her in the cafeteria, crying because we couldn't understand why something this horrible was happening to such a good man who didn't deserve it. She consoled us with the most invaluable tools she carried at the time - an understanding ear and a comforting hug.
I believe there are reasons for the interactions we have with others in our lives, and I truly feel blessed that Sarah was in our lives during this unbelievably difficult time. Sarah's sense of humor perfectly matched our sense of humor and that, in itself, is a very rare find. When Dad was moved into a different room a couple days before his passing, we had to say goodbye to Sarah, knowing we couldn't selfishly keep her to ourselves. My daughter and niece cried as we all told her goodbye.
I just really hope that IU West realizes what a treasure they have in all the nurses who interacted with our family, but most specifically Sarah. Thank you!