April 2024
Diana
Romero
,
BSN, RN
MICU
UCI Health
Orange
,
CA
United States
With the help of other nurses, Diana organized a touching event that allowed K to marry the love of his life, fulfilling his dying wish.
Diana's act of kindness exemplifies the highest standards of nursing excellence and reflects her unwavering commitment to going above and beyond for her patients. Recently, Diana demonstrated remarkable compassion and initiative when she learned of a poignant wish from one of our patients, 26-year-old K, who was battling terminal aplastic anemia. K had always expressed to his family the deepest desire to marry his long-time girlfriend, whom he had known since high school. As he recognized he was getting closer to his death, he told his mother he wanted their chaplain to come and unite him and his girlfriend in marriage. When Diana learned of this heartfelt wish and that the chaplain was coming over to our unit during a conversation K's mother, she was deeply moved and determined to make it a memorable event. Diana sprang into action. She got decorations and balloons to create a joyful wedding atmosphere in K's room. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Diana enlisted the support of her colleagues, including the charge nurse and unit secretary, who assisted in ordering a cake from the cafeteria and a card for the couple. With the help of other nurses, Diana organized a touching event that allowed K to marry the love of his life, fulfilling his dying wish. The impact of Diana's actions extended far beyond the confines of the hospital room. Her compassionate gesture brought immeasurable comfort and joy to K, his family, and all those involved. Despite the inevitable outcome of K's death, Diana's unwavering dedication to ensuring the fulfillment of K's final wish left a lasting impression on his wife and family. Diana's compassion and initiative serve as a touching reminder of the profound difference nurses can make in the lives of their patients during their most vulnerable moments.