My sister was battling lung cancer and was being treated for pneumonia. She was not responding to medication. She was transferred to MICU and Katie was her nurse during the day shift. It was late in the morning before the rest of my sister's family arrived from out of town. As we each took turns visiting, Katie introduced herself to each one of us. Shortly after we all arrived, one of the physicians spoke with my sister's husband and her two sons regarding her condition and treatment options. Approximately an hour later, my sister was placed on palliative care. Needless to say, this came as quite a shock to all of us. While we recognized she was not responding to treatment, we did not anticipate her condition worsening to the point where nothing could be done.
Katie was present and there for each of us throughout her shift. Each time she came into the room, she patiently answered my brother-in-law's questions and explained everything she was doing. She offered support and guidance when he was at one of his most vulnerable moments. This was such an extremely difficult decision for him, as he thought he would be taking her home by the weekend. Katie was gentle, professional and kind. During the night, my sister continued to struggle but did not pass.
The following morning, Katie was here again and was present and available without being intrusive for all of us. She gently answered by brother-in-law's questions with kindness and professionalism. She spoke with each one of us, offered support, brought in food and beverages, provided extraordinary care to all of us. Katie did not treat my sister or her family as "just another patient". She demonstrated the care and compassion nurses are known for.
As my sister passed away, Katie was there for all of us offering her support, showing her emotions and treating all of us with compassion. Katie and one of her co-workers provided post-mortem care and then offered all of us as much time as we needed to be with my sister.
Too often nurses are not acknowledged for the incredibly challenging and difficult job they do. I personally know because I am a nurse. Katie demonstrated the caring and professional qualities of an exceptional nurse.