Aly McMartin
February 2021
Allison
McMartin
,
RN, BSN
3 General Acute Care
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
Aly settled the patient and family with comfort and care. She arranged for meal trays so the family could stay together during the final hours with their sister, tending to the patient's care as if she was her only patient.
I want to thank two incredible nurses that went above and beyond when my sister was in the hospital. My sister went into the hospital on a Friday this last fall and I was told by the ER doctor that she would not survive. That Saturday, she passed away late morning. Aly on the 3rd floor was so caring to me and my family, always asking if we needed anything and always making my sister comfortable in her last hours of life. When my sister did pass, Yolanda on the 3rd floor, was there for me and so caring and consoled me in my grief. I will never forget their kindness and compassion. Thank you to these two amazing nurses. God Bless you both.
***
As the famous radio broadcaster Paul Harvey would say, there is a "rest of the story"
When this particular patient was admitted to 3G, it was not an ordinary day. The day was very busy, and Aly already had several patients to care for which was keeping her very occupied. The patient ended up in a very small room and her family needed wheelchairs which made the room seem even smaller. The unit was full, more than one patient was dealing with a poor prognosis and there were also numerous COVID patients at that time.
Regardless of the hectic nature of the day, Aly settled the patient and family with comfort and care. She arranged for meal trays so the family could stay together during the final hours with their sister, tending to the patient's care as if she was her only patient. Yet, all of her patients were well taken care of. When it was time to report off to Yolanda, Aly said her good-byes to this patient and her family with compassion and care. "This is totally who she is".
Yolanda continued the compassionate care for this patient and her family throughout the night, not missing a beat from what Aly had set up. When the patient passed, Yolanda was very present for the patient's sister and her family. Despite having several complex patients, Yolanda took extra time to console and care for them in their grief. Life transition is an extraordinary time, unfamiliar and unpracticed. To have someone with you during these moments is a gift beyond words.
***
As the famous radio broadcaster Paul Harvey would say, there is a "rest of the story"
When this particular patient was admitted to 3G, it was not an ordinary day. The day was very busy, and Aly already had several patients to care for which was keeping her very occupied. The patient ended up in a very small room and her family needed wheelchairs which made the room seem even smaller. The unit was full, more than one patient was dealing with a poor prognosis and there were also numerous COVID patients at that time.
Regardless of the hectic nature of the day, Aly settled the patient and family with comfort and care. She arranged for meal trays so the family could stay together during the final hours with their sister, tending to the patient's care as if she was her only patient. Yet, all of her patients were well taken care of. When it was time to report off to Yolanda, Aly said her good-byes to this patient and her family with compassion and care. "This is totally who she is".
Yolanda continued the compassionate care for this patient and her family throughout the night, not missing a beat from what Aly had set up. When the patient passed, Yolanda was very present for the patient's sister and her family. Despite having several complex patients, Yolanda took extra time to console and care for them in their grief. Life transition is an extraordinary time, unfamiliar and unpracticed. To have someone with you during these moments is a gift beyond words.