November 2021
Folashade
Ijoma
,
RN
Critical Care
St. Joseph's Hospital South
Riverview
,
FL
United States
She talked to my mom to encourage her to keep trying and to fight and I know my mom was comforted by Folashade when she was scared.
Folashade was my mom's nurse for several shifts. I spoke to her at least twice per shift to get updates and she was always patient and willing to explain what the different tests indicated. She was always realistic and honest when explaining my mom's situation but encouraged me to stay hopeful. I know she talked to my mom to encourage her to keep trying and to fight and I know my mom was comforted by Folashade when she was scared. I remember one day asking her if my mom had a chance to beat this and she told me her job as a nurse is to offer compassionate care if the time comes. However, she was to advocate and fight for patients when there is a chance, then she said, "Right now, we fight." I felt this nurse was doing everything that could be done to help my mom. Even though my mom lost her battle, I am grateful for the comforting words and for Folashade being with my mom when I couldn't. As I navigate the stages of grief, I hear her words in my head “to fight".