Emily Leuthold
October 2021
Emily
Leuthold
,
RN
Palliative Care
Sanford USD Medical Center
Sioux Falls
,
SD
United States

 

 

 

When we entered the patient's room that afternoon, D's eyes lit up and she said "there's Emily, my bright spot".
Emily has been the Palliative Care Nurse taking care of D who was admitted to Sanford due to Covid. When Emily learned that D's grandson was having a birthday party and that D was disappointed she would not be able to attend, Emily prepared a "birthday celebration" for D. Emily learned from D's family that they were having the birthday party at 6:00 pm and planned to use the iPad to video chat with D. Emily asked if I would be willing to help her decorate for the party. When we entered the patient's room that afternoon, D's eyes lit up and she said "there's Emily, my bright spot". It was quite clear that D appreciated Emily and all that she has done in caring for her. Emily purchased birthday supplies (a table cloth, birthday plates, a birthday headband, and a piece of cake) and we decorated D's room in preparation for the birthday party. Emily told D, "now when they video chat with you, it will be like you're sitting at the table with them to celebrate!" D was so appreciative of this gesture. Emily went above and beyond to create a meaningful and memorable experience for D during a time that is often very isolating and lonely. Emily is D's "bright spot" and I'm sure that D would agree that Emily is a true DAISY Nurs.e