After spending two weeks on the 5th floor, my family and I agreed to Hospice care for my husband. He was moved to the 6th floor for care. Claire greeted us and realizing our anxieties and multiple questions, she simply raised her hand and finger in a wait one-moment gesture. She then proceeded to the bed and tucked the blankets around my husband. She checked his vitals and then brought us up to speed on the medications he would need to help him stay calm and without pain. She then stood by him and asked us about him and our family. Her compassion was obvious.
As the week went on whenever we saw her name on the board we were thrilled and at peace knowing that her undivided attention was on my husband.
When my husband's condition worsened, she spent her time talking to me and assuring me that she would do everything she could and told me to stay strong. When he kept deteriorating and we would call for more morphine she worked with the doctors and recommended another shot to help him, which was approved. I knew God was coming for my husband, as she did. She ordered the new prescription from the pharmacy. She did not like the fact that it was taking so long but I heard her say, "I'll be down to pick it up shortly". Afterward, she returned to give the injection to him which helped his anxiety.
When my husband passed, I was alone with him. Claire, although not on duty on 6 north but 6 south, came to the room and hugged me and encouraged me to stay strong for the family and myself.
Going out of her way to care for my husband, while knowing he was terminal, she demonstrated all the qualities that unite humanity, ones that are almost but not quite forgotten- compassion and kindness.
Thank you, Claire, for helping and going out of your way to calm us in need.