August 2021
Mallory
Landry
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
6CUB
Baylor Scott and White The Heart Hospital Plano
Plano
,
TX
United States
And as he passed, Mallory wept along with the family as did we all.
This is quite the story – a story of joys, sorrows, strength, and tears. Late in December, we received a patient. This nurse was her nurse. She was a COVID patient and had to be put on ECMO. Two days later her husband was also transferred her to be put on ECMO due to COVID. She helped the daughter understand what was happening and helped make that connection so she felt safe and her parents were in good hands. Over the past several months, this nurse cared for both of them, constantly. Through the good days, emergent surgeries, finally allowing family to see them. She was there. Incredibly one day the wife got off ECMO and the husband continued his fight. All along the way, they became part of our family. Then in March, it was time for the wife to go to LTAC. This person was once again her nurse. She helped her as she worried whether she would see her husband again. He got off ECMO that morning but then decompensated right before the wife left. She broke the news to her, held her hand, and prayed with her. He continued his fight as his wife was in rehab. In May, she returned walking and talking to see her husband. And what a miracle she is, and a day not to be forgotten. For another month he fought. He got off ECMO, but within the week was looking bad. Then when she was his nurse again, that was the day he would finally rest in peace. It was a day of many tears and she was there to hold their hands and help the family as they decided to withdraw care. And as he passed, she wept along with the family as did we all. She is an amazing nurse, charge nurse, preceptor, and part of UBC. But, her true strength showed through because it is her heart for people. As the unit wept for the family, and with them, she had been there from beginning to end. We truly were their family and that is truly what nursing is all about. There were hugs for nurses, staff, and family alike as we all grieve our dear friend/patient. Mallory truly showed what a DAISY Nurse is throughout the months of care for this family.