Recently, Nurse Crystal Ortiz (CCU 4th Floor) provided care for a female patient in our Critical Care Unit. Over the course of several days, this patient and her family had come through great difficulty to the determination that, given the extent of her illness, it was time to re-evaluate their plans and goals of care. Ultimately, the patient decided to transition from curative care to comfort measures. However, before that transition occurred, the patient had one request: She and her partner of ten years wished to be married.

Crystal was not that patient’s nurse when this decision was made. However, she knew that she would be caring for this patient on the following day so, that night, she went to work. From her young daughter, she acquired a costume veil. She gathered something old and something new, something borrowed, something blue, and “a penny for her shoe.” On the following day, she coordinated with a notary to complete the required licensure and Southeast Health Spiritual Care to provide a ceremonial officiant. 

As the family gathered, Crystal and others celebrated with the bride-to-be, carefully getting her ready for the ceremony, sharing in her happiness, making perfectly sure that she felt loved, appropriately fussed over, and beautiful. The light in Crystal’s eyes as she loved and served her patient told you everything you need to know about Crystal’s heart, her kindness, and the pure and selfless joy she found in making every effort to ensure that her patient was honored and strengthened for her special day. 

Crystal’s work as a healer on that day was not only for the family, but also for those of us who worked alongside her. The ceremony was necessarily brief, but beautiful, as perfect as could be hoped. Other nurses, PCAs, students and caregivers gathered around the family in witness. At the close of the wedding, we spoke together the words of the Lord’s Prayer and maybe shed a few grateful tears.

In Critical Care, we all know that some days can be very difficult and, of course, every day has its own unique challenge and opportunity.  This, however, was a good day, a true reminder that, when the moment is right and heart is willing, great nurses bring healing not only to the patient, but also to their families and the community of their care. Not only to the body, but also the soul. 

At just the right moment, Crystal Ortiz was just the right nurse. For this reason, I am honored and thankful to recognize Nurse Ortiz as a DAISY Nurse.