Emily Eilers
April 2023
Emily
Eilers
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Iowa City
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

She did a wonderful job providing culturally appropriate care and supporting the family during this difficult time.
Emily cared for a patient with end-stage interstitial lung disease and worsening hypoxia who was, unfortunately, nearing the end of his life for three days. This patient was having a very difficult time accepting his prognosis, hearing he had days to live, when he dreamed of much more. Emily maintained this patient's dignity and wishes, allowing him to be in control of how his life ended as much as possible, when so much of his control had been taken away. She listened to what he still dreamed to do, what he had already accomplished, and his hobbies, and she learned about his family and developed meaningful relationships with them as well.

As he neared the end, he asked Emily to sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ and she did so with his daughter, which is just a sample of how much love Emily pours into her work and her patients. A MICU ARNP said, "Throughout the weekend, we saw different stages of his own grieving process with his impending death. Emily was there to support him through this with compassion, kindness, and patience. She did a wonderful job providing culturally appropriate care and supporting the family during this difficult time.

A MICU Attending, said, "When death is inevitable, it should be 'good.' This was a VERY good one! Unfortunately, this patient did pass away, but Emily made sure he was able to be in control, spend time with his family, and share about his life, dreams, and family. Thank you, Emily, for being a light for this patient, and a role model for so many.