Shea Smith
July 2022
Shea
Smith
,
RN
PICU
Primary Children's Hospital- Intermountain Health
Salt Lake City
,
UT
United States
A few minutes later, I lifted my head to see that although Shea had exited the room, she stood just outside the door, arms crossed, intently studying the monitor and infusions, not moving for fifteen minutes. It was at that moment that I saw the determination of this sweet nurse.
My 10-year-old niece, K, suffered a venous stroke and was in the care of medical staff at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. I spent most nights at K’s bedside and had the opportunity to get to know Shea Smith, an angel of a nurse. Together, we watched K’s monitors, anxious to see the numbers moving in the right direction. For three nights, I watched Shea work tirelessly to get the necessary results. Like clockwork, she was checking on K.
One night, it seemed like the odds were against K as her intracranial pressure would not recede. Shea stood facing the infusion machines and the many medications being pumped into K. I watched as she made the calculations on what K needed most to get her numbers within the parameters. She spent a good while considering and making adjustments. She looked at me and said, “I’m going to give her about 15 minutes to see what that does,” and I heard her exit the room. A few minutes later, I lifted my head to see that although Shea had exited the room, she stood just outside the door, arms crossed, intently studying the monitor and infusions, not moving for fifteen minutes. It was at that moment that I saw the determination of this sweet nurse. I cannot express the comfort this brought me, knowing K was in the best of hands. Not only was she knowledgeable in the treatment, she was compassionate and sincere, talking K through every move she made.
On another occasion, I watched Shea carefully trace every tube, wire, and catheter (and there were so many), ensuring that there were none under K to add to her discomfort. She then pulled at the bedding to smooth it, then carefully and strategically placed every stuffed animal K had received upon her bed. This sweet, tender detail melted my heart. Shea took time to get to know our family and our concerns. I loved that she was able to laugh with us and fit right in with my sister and me as we joked and teased one another. I am so grateful for the time I spent with Shea. She is a true example of compassion and a servant's heart. Thank you, Shea, for all the kindness you showed to our family!
One night, it seemed like the odds were against K as her intracranial pressure would not recede. Shea stood facing the infusion machines and the many medications being pumped into K. I watched as she made the calculations on what K needed most to get her numbers within the parameters. She spent a good while considering and making adjustments. She looked at me and said, “I’m going to give her about 15 minutes to see what that does,” and I heard her exit the room. A few minutes later, I lifted my head to see that although Shea had exited the room, she stood just outside the door, arms crossed, intently studying the monitor and infusions, not moving for fifteen minutes. It was at that moment that I saw the determination of this sweet nurse. I cannot express the comfort this brought me, knowing K was in the best of hands. Not only was she knowledgeable in the treatment, she was compassionate and sincere, talking K through every move she made.
On another occasion, I watched Shea carefully trace every tube, wire, and catheter (and there were so many), ensuring that there were none under K to add to her discomfort. She then pulled at the bedding to smooth it, then carefully and strategically placed every stuffed animal K had received upon her bed. This sweet, tender detail melted my heart. Shea took time to get to know our family and our concerns. I loved that she was able to laugh with us and fit right in with my sister and me as we joked and teased one another. I am so grateful for the time I spent with Shea. She is a true example of compassion and a servant's heart. Thank you, Shea, for all the kindness you showed to our family!