This is a letter I have wanted to write since I met this outstanding young nurse, Danielle Refvem. My husband came to Medical Center of the Rockies on that day to have a stent procedure. While the operation itself went well, unfortunately he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage and was placed in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit where he passed away later that day. During the whole of my husband's stay in the ICU, this nurse, Danielle, competently and compassionately took care of him and his grieving family. My concern was for him to be as comfortable and pain free as possible and nurse Danielle assured that his anxiety was quieted and his dignity preserved throughout the entire time. His passing was as peaceful as was humanly and humanely possible, due in no small part to the care and skill of nurse Danielle.
Nurse Refvem attended to not just her patient but also to me, my children, step-children and extended family and friends who came to that hospital room. Danielle saw that snacks were brought for the children and water for the adults. She patiently and skillfully explained his condition to this stunned group that gathered, appropriately answered questions and tried to maintain a calm environment for our loved one's passing. She never rushed our goodbyes and allowed us time to pray and meditate even though the ICU was very busy. While some might say this was all in a day's work for a nurse in an ICU, Danielle will forever stand out for me and my family as someone who went above and beyond her duty. She is a very special and gifted person in her job as a nurse and a fellow human being. How blessed we were to have her for our nurse.