Chuck is a pediatric nurse. Recently, Chuck had a full assignment on Pediatrics when he was informed that the ED was on Surge level 1 in both the adult and pediatric sides. Learning of this, Chuck was flexible and moved his patients to the charge nurse and went down to the ED to help. The first patient he treated was a little toddler with lissencephaly, infantile spasms, chronic respiratory failure, GT and Trach dependent, and a challenge to get IV access. The pediatric team knows this little girl well and her health had definitely decompensated. Her mom was unable to stay with her in the ED. While caring for her, working to get IV access, and perform much-needed tests on her, Chuck was incredibly compassionate. Many people do not take the time to talk to these types of patients because it is so easy to forget that there is still a tiny human in the outer shell that may present a different picture. Instead of being task-oriented, he focused on her as a human being. He spoke to her the whole time, consoling her as he performed tests. At one point, recognizing that she had no one to comfort her, Chuck got into bed with her and just held her. He rubbed her arms and told her over and over that she was ok. To those who observed this said it was one of the most compassionate experiences, they had ever witnessed. The patient's mother later shared that Chuck was a very positive presence for their daughter and that she appreciated that he took the time to make sure she was comfortable and listened to.
This Little girl is now on hospice, experiencing the last days of her life. I can't help but think Chuck has made these last days unforgettable and impactful. He went to the ER with a helping attitude and chose the see a dying little toddler as a heart and soul needing love and compassion.