March 2021
Trish
Lacey
,
BSN, RN
Emergency Department
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Charlottesville
,
VA
There was one point in particular with her that Trish and I both started tearing up because the patient was so grateful for the love and compassion that Trish showed.
Trish received a patient in one of her rooms as happens frequently during her shift. To say this patient was a train wreck is an understatement. The patient was from a local facility and had been neglected for a significant portion of time.
Hour after hour Trish worked to ensure the patient had outstanding medical care. Not only did he receive outstanding medical care, but Trish also made sure the patient was "fluffed and buffed" at every moment he was under her care as well. The patient had significant wounds from his neglect and his medical diagnosis was complicated and not clear-cut to anyone on the team, including physicians.
The patient was frequently uncomfortable in his position and constantly was requesting different things. The patient was difficult to obtain IV access and was psychosocially a wreck. This patient had lost his brother and had had a tough time since, to say the least.
Towards the evening hours, it was clear that Trish has given absolutely everything she had - to the point where she was in tears. She was seldom able to leave the room, but when she did, she continued to give everything she had to her assigned patients. Trish continued to do the next right thing.
The physical and emotional energy that this patient required was immense. There are no adequate words to describe the love and compassion that Trish displayed. It was as if this patient was her own family member. I did not have the opportunity to work with this patient for the vast majority of the day; I was brought to tears at this gentlemen's desperation for emotional comfort and for safety and security.
Patricia did not hesitate, (nor does she ever) to give everything that she had to that patient. You could tell she was completely exhausted by looking at her, but her patients needed her. So she kept going until her shift was over. There was one point in particular with her that she and I both started tearing up because the patient was so grateful for the love and compassion that she showed.
But this is not a unique happening for Patricia. Trish is an outstanding leader who is constantly taking care of her co-workers and patients. She works tirelessly to ensure everyone has what they need and receives the best care possible. She is an asset to this hospital, department, and community.
Hour after hour Trish worked to ensure the patient had outstanding medical care. Not only did he receive outstanding medical care, but Trish also made sure the patient was "fluffed and buffed" at every moment he was under her care as well. The patient had significant wounds from his neglect and his medical diagnosis was complicated and not clear-cut to anyone on the team, including physicians.
The patient was frequently uncomfortable in his position and constantly was requesting different things. The patient was difficult to obtain IV access and was psychosocially a wreck. This patient had lost his brother and had had a tough time since, to say the least.
Towards the evening hours, it was clear that Trish has given absolutely everything she had - to the point where she was in tears. She was seldom able to leave the room, but when she did, she continued to give everything she had to her assigned patients. Trish continued to do the next right thing.
The physical and emotional energy that this patient required was immense. There are no adequate words to describe the love and compassion that Trish displayed. It was as if this patient was her own family member. I did not have the opportunity to work with this patient for the vast majority of the day; I was brought to tears at this gentlemen's desperation for emotional comfort and for safety and security.
Patricia did not hesitate, (nor does she ever) to give everything that she had to that patient. You could tell she was completely exhausted by looking at her, but her patients needed her. So she kept going until her shift was over. There was one point in particular with her that she and I both started tearing up because the patient was so grateful for the love and compassion that she showed.
But this is not a unique happening for Patricia. Trish is an outstanding leader who is constantly taking care of her co-workers and patients. She works tirelessly to ensure everyone has what they need and receives the best care possible. She is an asset to this hospital, department, and community.