Our family took our 93-year-old mother, N to the Chambersburg Hospital Emergency Room due to severe pain in her back and ribs. After multiple tests, scans, etc., it was determined that she had Stage 4 cancer. She was admitted to the hospital to control her pain and do further testing. After consultations with the medical staff, our family decided not to pursue chemotherapy and additional testing due to her age. Our goal was to make her feel as pain-free and comfortable as possible. 

She was living independently prior to this diagnosis, but medical staff informed us that she could not be alone due to her medications. With help from the social worker, we planned for her to go to Providence Place with hospice.

Our mom was only at Providence Place for 4 days when we received a call from Providence Place telling us that she had fallen, and they had called an ambulance to take her to Chambersburg Hospital.

We immediately went to the Emergency Room to discover she had 2 fractures in her neck, a broken nose, a pelvic fracture, and multiple skin tears! She was admitted once again to the Chambersburg Hospital, to their 2nd floor.

We were greeted by her nurse, Nicole Dunn, who welcomed our family with compassion, kindness, and sympathy. Nicole went above and beyond to ensure that our mom received the best care possible. We witnessed her holding our mom’s hands, whispering reassuring words to her and doing all she could to ease her pain and keep her as comfortable as possible. Nicole was an absolute angel to our mom and our family. 

On the Tuesday of her passing, Nicole found ChapStick to place on Mom’s lips and swapped her mouth with a wet sponge. She quietly stated, “She’s doing a lot of mouth breathing, and I don’t want her to get dry.”

When Mom passed peacefully, Nicole cried right along with our family. She even stated that our mother reminded her of her grandmother. She went above and beyond for our family, asking if we needed drinks, food, or anything else to make us comfortable.

As hard as it was to go back to the hospital the day after we lost our mom, we took Nicole flowers and cookies for the nursing staff to show our appreciation for all they did for Mom and our family. Nicole informed us that she couldn’t stop thinking of Mom’s loved ones.

Our entire family has so much gratitude and appreciation for Nicole. We will be eternally grateful for all he/she did for our mother.

Nicole exemplifies the true meaning of caring, empathy, and compassion.

Note: This is Nicole's 2nd DAISY Award!