January 2021
Emily
Collins
,
BSN, RN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago
,
IL
These nurses were the only thing that gave me peace that entire day. They were honest with me while continuing to show compassion and hope for Z, his family, and myself.
I am a nurse at NMH, this past week my 26-year-old boyfriend, Z was admitted to the hospital after feeling horrible for a couple of days, when he came in, they realized just how sick he was.
Later that night he was intubated, I had no understanding of exactly what was going on until I talked to Casey. Casey was exceptional; she explained everything to me in detail, made sure I was able to come to visit, and not only cared for Z but took the time to check in with me as well.
Later that day at shift change I was able to talk with both Casey and Alex. These nurses were the only thing that gave me peace that entire day. They were honest with me while continuing to show compassion and hope for Z, his family, and myself. They truly put themselves in my shoes and treated me as they would have wanted if they were in my situation.
On the day that Z died, I honestly don't remember much, however, the memories that stuck with me are; the way Alex handled a difficult conversation with unimaginable compassion and empathy, how both Emily and Alex stood with me and his mom; comforting us, the care Alex expressed when she looked at me and said "I am just so sorry, I wish there were more I could do," and the way I felt consoled when Emily hugged me as his heart stopped. During this time, I felt as if these weren't just nurses taking care of someone I loved, but truthfully friends of both mine and Z.
As an NMH nurse, I know what is expected from us; we are expected to handle people's worst moments with compassion, patience, and flawlessness while juggling many things at once. I know how demanding and exhausting our job can be mentally, physically, and emotionally.
However, Casey, Alex, and Emily cared for not only Z but his family and me with the type of empathy and compassion you could only hope for. They went above and beyond in every aspect of their care. I cannot thank these three nurses enough. They made such a horrible moment in my life bearable by demonstrating immense support, kindness, and strength.
On behalf of me and all Z's family and friends, I would like you to know how grateful we are for each of you. Thank you, Casey, Alex, and Emily.
Later that night he was intubated, I had no understanding of exactly what was going on until I talked to Casey. Casey was exceptional; she explained everything to me in detail, made sure I was able to come to visit, and not only cared for Z but took the time to check in with me as well.
Later that day at shift change I was able to talk with both Casey and Alex. These nurses were the only thing that gave me peace that entire day. They were honest with me while continuing to show compassion and hope for Z, his family, and myself. They truly put themselves in my shoes and treated me as they would have wanted if they were in my situation.
On the day that Z died, I honestly don't remember much, however, the memories that stuck with me are; the way Alex handled a difficult conversation with unimaginable compassion and empathy, how both Emily and Alex stood with me and his mom; comforting us, the care Alex expressed when she looked at me and said "I am just so sorry, I wish there were more I could do," and the way I felt consoled when Emily hugged me as his heart stopped. During this time, I felt as if these weren't just nurses taking care of someone I loved, but truthfully friends of both mine and Z.
As an NMH nurse, I know what is expected from us; we are expected to handle people's worst moments with compassion, patience, and flawlessness while juggling many things at once. I know how demanding and exhausting our job can be mentally, physically, and emotionally.
However, Casey, Alex, and Emily cared for not only Z but his family and me with the type of empathy and compassion you could only hope for. They went above and beyond in every aspect of their care. I cannot thank these three nurses enough. They made such a horrible moment in my life bearable by demonstrating immense support, kindness, and strength.
On behalf of me and all Z's family and friends, I would like you to know how grateful we are for each of you. Thank you, Casey, Alex, and Emily.