Kayla Debbane
October 2017
Kayla
Debbane
,
BSN, RN
MICU
The Christ Hospital Health Network
Cincinnati
,
OH
United States
We often think of nurses as Lifesavers, but commonly forget that death is a part of life.
I wanted to take a moment to recognize Kayla for her exceptional care of my brother and our entire family during his death.
Kayla not only performed the daily tasks of a critical care nurse, she held bedside vigil with each and every one of our family members and took time to explain the death and dying process to us on a level that we could fully understand and comprehend.
If you don't practice medicine or work in the medical field, it is easy to feel lost in medical jargon and complicated diagnosis and treatment plans. There was never a moment that we felt that. She enveloped a holistic approach, acting as interpreter, caretaker, advocate and an incredibly solid foundation during uncertain times.
It is my understanding that while caring for not only my bother and us, she was caring for another patient and family as well. Never once did we have to wait for her. It almost felt as though she could sense our need and arrived just in time to comfort our fears and provide whatever support she could.
To our family, these bedside Warriors are often undervalued for their role in the death and dying process. I suspect most nurses are recognized on the basis of having "saved my mom, saved my dad, saved my child", etc. I think it is equally, if not more important to recognize Kayla for her role in helping our brother and our family complete the beautiful cycle of life and the most effortless transition to death.
***
At the time of J's death, she was considerate of family emotions and took great care to respectfully position the body and make certain he appeared peaceful and at rest.
***
She was a fabulous advocate for my uncle and my family. She was a breath of fresh air. She made sure my family had everything they needed and kept us calm.
I wanted to take a moment to recognize Kayla for her exceptional care of my brother and our entire family during his death.
Kayla not only performed the daily tasks of a critical care nurse, she held bedside vigil with each and every one of our family members and took time to explain the death and dying process to us on a level that we could fully understand and comprehend.
If you don't practice medicine or work in the medical field, it is easy to feel lost in medical jargon and complicated diagnosis and treatment plans. There was never a moment that we felt that. She enveloped a holistic approach, acting as interpreter, caretaker, advocate and an incredibly solid foundation during uncertain times.
It is my understanding that while caring for not only my bother and us, she was caring for another patient and family as well. Never once did we have to wait for her. It almost felt as though she could sense our need and arrived just in time to comfort our fears and provide whatever support she could.
To our family, these bedside Warriors are often undervalued for their role in the death and dying process. I suspect most nurses are recognized on the basis of having "saved my mom, saved my dad, saved my child", etc. I think it is equally, if not more important to recognize Kayla for her role in helping our brother and our family complete the beautiful cycle of life and the most effortless transition to death.
***
At the time of J's death, she was considerate of family emotions and took great care to respectfully position the body and make certain he appeared peaceful and at rest.
***
She was a fabulous advocate for my uncle and my family. She was a breath of fresh air. She made sure my family had everything they needed and kept us calm.