Ellen Beal has gone above and beyond for patients in their final days of life in our unit. In one instance, she was there for a mother of a patient who needed a shoulder to cry on for hours, and she also provided care for the patient in her final moments when the mother decided not to stay.

She painted a picture during her time off from work for another patient, and it meant the world to them to receive this gift in their final days.

She also volunteered to be the bedside nurse for a patient on her last day of life, after having developed a relationship with the patient and family. She made a difference in their lives on this day by being both strong and vulnerable for them during the most impossible experience. This day was challenging for both of us since we both cared very much for this family. It meant so much that she could be there for them on this final day.

All three of these patients passed away in our unit in the last month and all three had their lives impacted positively from the wonderful nursing care she provided.