I am writing this nomination for Lauren King, CRNP.  The act of kindness and pure compassion that Lauren King showed this particular day touched my heart beyond measure.  I was in the building but on education time and got an SOS text from a co-worker on my unit.  The text read, "Are you in the building and if you are please come help!"  Of course, I came right away only to find all my fellow co-workers in distress. 

When I asked about what I could do to help, I was asked to go sit in a patient's room and hold their hand as they passed away.  I did not hesitate, and when I arrived in the patient's room, I found Lauren King sitting at the bedside with the patient.  This particular patient was supposed to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility that evening but had an unfortunate event where he aspirated at lunch.  His oxygen saturation began to fall rapidly, and Lauren was called to the bedside. 

Unfortunately, there was nothing more that could be done for the patient until he passed.  She provided the patient with medications and additional oxygen to keep him comfortable during the dying process.  She then stayed and continued to help clean the patient and prepare the body for the family when they arrived.  She even prayed over the patient after he passed.  This act of kindness and compassion is not one that is witnessed very often.  The providers do not usually stay with the patients until they pass or help with the preparation of the body for the family.  It really takes a special individual to do what Lauren did that day.  She supported the patient and the family in every way possible.  She showed the utmost respect for the patient and for the nursing staff as this was a very sudden shift or change in the condition of the patient and the staff was extremely upset.  We truly appreciate her and are grateful for all that she did for the patient that afternoon!