If anyone can create a powerful moment and a peak experience in the time of crisis and struggle, Brandi Houser can. She exhibits caring and compassion with her patients every night she walks through the doors of the Critical Care Unit at Lincoln. As a teammate on the night shift, one must find ways to create a strategic surprise that enlightens and shows our patients and families that our care for them runs 24 hours a day.
Recently, Brandi was the nurse in charge of the unit and after her rounds, she noticed a family in mourning. Their loved one, who was not doing well, was made a "Do Not Resuscitate" and placed in comfort care. The family told the story of how the patient had told them she would probably not make it out of the hospital the next time she was admitted and had been decorating her house and cleaning in preparation of her passing. The family seemed very remorseful over this insight and this nurse was able to feel their grief and impending loss. In an effort to provide them some comfort, Brandi had her teammates cover the unit and she went to Dunkin Donuts and got coffee and doughnuts for the family.
Through this simple act of kindness, Brandi elevated the family's hope by filling a huge pit that was causing them pain. Although it would not replace their loss, it truly shows the heart of our team and to what extent we will go for our patients and their loved ones. Brandi is a dedicated and compassionate teammate who will go above and beyond to assure our patients and families are comforted in their time of need.