March 2021
Hannah
McClellan
,
RN, BSN
ICU
Hillcrest Hospital South
Tulsa
,
OK
Hannah felt that she could help bridge a gap . . . between those that pass and those left behind
Hannah McClellan learned that there was an opportunity to connect our dying patients with their families if the family couldn't be at the bedside when their loved ones passed. This method of connection has been named "heartbeat in a bottle". This task consists of saving our vial that medications come in, cleaning them through a process and printing out the patient ECG strip, and cutting it to fit the bottle like a scroll. This allows the family to have a "heartbeat in a bottle" of their loved one that has passed away. This production, supply gathering, and education to all staff was initiated and acted upon by Hannah. Hannah felt that she could help bridge a gap that could be an important connection between those that pass and those left behind with a sad heart. Many families that receive this from our staff, have no words but tears that show their appreciation, and this bonds the gift we give them in remembrance and nurses' confirmation of purpose and hope.