Within the context of the Emergency Department, there are many high-stress situations that nurses deal with that much of the profession does not necessarily see unless they are within the fast pace environment of the ER. Too many times, we make a lot of mind-numbing choices, many involving life or death situations.
As I watched from afar one day this summer, I instantly knew when the patient arrived this scenario would prove to be challenging. All were on edge as to how we could possibly save this life. Jennifer was the main nurse taking care of this patient. Although many of us had not worked with her before because of her role within the float pool, I watched as she meticulously knew what needed to happen next in order to assure this patient would live.
Some do not have this gift. Yet, Jennifer is able to anticipate. I observed her take care of this patient and she knew what to expect. After hours of stabilizing, the family arrived and was updated on the patient's condition. I continued to watch as she explained every single step and measure the doctor, her, and the team had taken to produce the best possible outcome. Many decisions were made and yet, the family decided after speaking with Jennifer and the doctor that it was best if the patient was made a DNR. Because of this, the family and Jennifer knew that most measures would be stopped at this point to ensure a peaceful death.
Many times, within the Emergency Department, we, as nurses, do not see many of these decisions being made. Typically, after we stabilize, it is our hope to move the patient to the ICU or another area that can better manage the specific condition of the patient. Yet, Jennifer (who again might I add hardly ever works within the ED) did everything possible she could after the decision was made to halt further treatment because she and the family knew it would not be much longer until the patient was at peace.
I felt like I was honestly watching a true angel within the grounds of this earth care for this patient, then make the patient and family completely comfortable and allowed for a truly wonderful environment for the family to grieve and mourn their beloved. The essence Jennifer produced was truly something amazing and something that every nurse should look to when providing compassion to others. I wish I could explain how I felt watching this take place and to see Jennifer hold the hands of the family members and hugging each of them. Not only did she do this but, she also had three other patients which who calling out for her as she continued to care for each of them in the same loving and compassionate way she did for the dying patient that day.
In the past few years, I have been within this emergency department, I have never seen a nurse produce the compassion that Jennifer did and the calm essence she cultivated around her. I truly believe this nurse deserves much more than what these words can produce. It is my hope she knows how much she was truly appreciated, not only by me and the others who were involved but by the patient and family. Jennifer touched the lives of many and has forever made a difference.