Maddison Pontes is an exemplary nurse here at the WMIU. She is kind, caring, knowledgeable, and a team player. At the WMIU, we often have young patients with sad cases. We recently admitted a 50-year-old female with cancer. The patient had minimal support in the state, only an elderly mother in a nursing home. The patient’s situation grew grimmer by the day, and the patient’s will to live grew smaller and smaller. The patient eventually was made comfort measures and passed away on the unit. Maddy took care of the patient on this day, and her care of the patient and the patient’s mother was extraordinary.
The patient’s elderly mother was contacted, and a staff member brought her to the WMIU from her nursing home in the afternoon the day the patient passed. Maddy led the staff member and the mother into the patient’s room, and when she felt ready, Maddy and the staff member left to give the patient’s mother time with her daughter.
The staff member became very upset in the hallway, reporting to Maddy that they had a sickly child. The staff member said, “I feel like crying,” to which Maddy replied, “That’s okay. I cried earlier, too.” Maddy then gently touched the staff member’s back as they started to cry. Maddy’s quiet strength and calming nature allowed this stranger to feel her feelings, which was emotional for all involved.
When the patient’s mother was ready, the staff member helped her out of the room. Maddy was ready and waiting with cups of water for both, saying, “Your mouths must be so dry. Please feel free to take these with you.” Both the patient’s mother and the staff member were so appreciative of this simple gesture, which provided some comfort in a horrible situation.
The patient’s mother and the staff member repeated how thankful they were for Maddy and for all who took care of the patient. Maddy is an exceptional nurse. Thank you!