Ashely began another night shift caring for a 91-year-old gentleman, COVID positive plus other comorbidities, who had developed internal bleeding a few days before. It had become apparent that the bleeding was not stoppable, and the patient was not a candidate for any drastic intervention.
Throughout the early evening, I watched Ashley give tender and attentive care to a patient we all knew was clearly dying despite our best efforts. I listened to Ashley have a long discussion with one of the patient's daughters via telephone where she professionally and perfectly articulated the care she was providing for the patient.
Later that evening the patient's other daughter came in to visit the patient to say goodbye although she could not enter the room due to his COVID status. Ashely was so amazing attending to her clinical duties as a nurse while being kind and tender to the patient in one room and the patient's family in the hallway.
Shortly after the patient's daughters decided to make him comfort measures only, and while we knew it would not be long until the patient passed away, at this point Ashley remained with the patient holding his hand, speaking softly to him, and gently stroking his hair while he died. While of course, this was of great comfort to the patient I could see the amazing amount of comfort this provided to the patient's daughter who could not be in the room with her father while he died. Ashley made a real difference in two people's lives simultaneously. One during the final moments of his life and the other during what must have been some of the worst moments of her life.
While exemplary to say the least, one could argue that this was standard nursing care. If you could have been there to witness how expertly and tenderly Ashley cared for these two people you would know how special the care she delivered was. While sad and tragic, it was beautiful to witness.
I would further like to point out that I have been working with Ashley for approximately a year now in the Intensive Care Unit and have seen her deliver this level of nursing care on multiple previous occasions. Her co-workers adore her as do her patients and their families.