July 2017
Joey
Cannon
,
RN
CICU
Cape Fear Valley Health System
Fayetteville
,
NC
United States
Joey’s tone and the compassion he expressed to this patient touched my heart.
We had a patient in CICU and Joey was the patient’s nurse. The patient was ventilated, and we had received orders to withdraw care for this patient. I went in with the other RT and we observed Joey as he prepared the patient for the next step. Joey explained each step from turning the drips off to administering medications that would help with pain. Joey’s tone and the compassion he expressed to this patient touched my heart and, in that moment, I was so proud to be able to take part in this patient’s final wishes. This patient had no family at the bedside, and nobody was coming either. Joey even obtained warm packets to place in the patient’s hands. Joey didn’t do this to make the family happy because as I said the patient was alone. I have witnessed many end-of-life scenarios in my career, but the care I saw given by Joey was extraordinary and I felt that he deserved to be recognized. Thank you, Joey, for all that you do and all that I know you will continue to do for the profession of healthcare.