Many individuals underestimate the amount it takes to care for a sick child, let alone a dying child. It takes monumental courage, compassion, and dedication, to not only care for the pediatric patient but the whole entire family. The amount of struggles a family has to endure during the final days before they see their son pass peacefully is beyond comprehension to most of us. It was a challenging day for the family of a young boy, who accidentally drowned in a pool at a friend's birthday party. It was a day filled with, "He will wake up" and "Don't give up, keep pushing through".
As the day progressed, he presented to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where Annamarie Burroughs was his nurse. The moment she recognized the extent of his condition, she realized the patients' family needed her comfort and care in such a time of the unexpected loss they endured. As I watched Anna care for this patient over a two-day period, she made sure every detail was discussed with the family at the bedside, in a strong, compassionate manner, as well as taking care of their child. She knew the feeling the family was enduring was unimaginable.
As the third day arrived, Anna made sure to come in on her day off and was asked by the patient's M]mother and father to be at the bedside when the second doctor confirmed their son's Brain Death determination test. Anna cared for the mother and father, as the mother dropped to her knees at the time of pronouncement and stayed on the floor for about two hours, mourning the loss of her son at his bedside. The doctors gave the parents an extra 24 hours to mourn the loss of their son, with family, before all the drips and the vent was turned off.
As I came in for my third shift the next day, it was with great sadness to see his hospital bedroom cleaned. Night shift staff members informed us that his body was able to pass at an appropriate time. As the morning went on. I was able to see the patient's mother and father, (staying in the local family room), and was able to hug them in their time of loss. The patient's mother was very pleased that she was happy to say that it was a blessing that he was able to pass on his own, like it was a sign that he was at peace. After hearing that, it was a little hard to keep my composure because I have never cared for a dying pediatric patient, that just 72 hours ago, was a normal boy. I was, truly, at a loss for words in how to handle this type of situation.
As his memory lives on, I will always be reminded of how hard and unimaginable a time like this would be for anyone. Annamarie made me realize that it is a lot harder caring for the patient's family than the actual patient. How, as a nurse, you have to choose your words carefully, in order to not lead anyone in the wrong direction, or make anyone believe a miracle would happen. I learned a lot about the compassionate dynamics it takes, and the courage to, as an RN, not break down in front of the family. Annamarie Burroughs deserves the DAISY Award for going above and beyond with her "healing touch" and empathetic manner, to help the family mourn the loss of their little boy. May he Rest in Peace.