Patty received a 90-year-old gentleman with suspected triple-A rupture. The patient had a known aortic aneurysm. The CT scan results confirmed the diagnosis of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Patty immediately began prepping the patient for emergent transfer to the OR.
After the surgeon's evaluation, surgery was not an option. This patient was alert and oriented the entire time and established a rapport with the patient. The patient was alone with a grave diagnosis, knowing the outcome would be death. The patient's wife and children were unable to come to the hospital immediately. Patty continued caring for this patient and comforting him.
After her shift, Patty clocked out and went back to the patient's room. She sat with the patient and held his hand so that he would not be alone if/when he passed. Patty stayed with this patient until his wife was able to get to the hospital. Patty did this on her own time and without being asked. She developed a brief relationship with this patient and did not want him to be alone.
The compassion Patty showed to this patient is nothing short of amazing. She did this to ensure the patient was comfortable in his last moments of life. So many of us are eager to leave work when our shift is over; Patty demonstrated what nurses would love to do for their patients. Caring is the heart of nursing.