Danielle
Barnosky
October 2013
Danielle
Barnosky
,
RN
Oncology
Memorial Medical Center
Springfield
,
IL
United States
I made a different type of journey to Memorial Sunday, instead of coming as Chaplain D, I came as family member D. It is such a different feeling to be the one in need of care than the one providing care. All of the staff who cared for my Great Uncle N during his final days was excellent, attentive and caring and they helped make N's end of life peaceful. N had been at Memorial for gall bladder surgery and then went to a Rehab Center. He was able to return home for one evening before ending up back in Memorial's Emergency Department. The ED was very busy, yet they provided N with excellent care. I want to highlight a nurse who was with N and our family during his final hours. Danielle Barnosky was N's angel, she treated him with dignity and respect, and assured that he was comfortable and kept him clean, she provided support to our family and even shed a few tears with us as we said goodbye to him. Danielle's presence and coordination of the nursing team allowed me to be a family member of N rather than a Chaplain to my family. It is never easy saying goodbye to your loved ones, however the care N and our family received made it a less stressful task.