Michelle was the RN caring for a female cardiac patient. She called me and asked if we had a smaller portable monitor to transport her patient to ICU. After inquiring why she just can't use the monitor in her room, she said she was going to take her patient up to ICU to speak with the doctor to make the decision to extubate her mother.
The physician came to this patient's bedside and explained the situation; the Mother had a brain bleed and with her other medical issues, he felt she wouldn't "return to her normal state." I had someone cover to go with and help carry the monitor.
Michelle wanted to ensure that her patient had one last chance to make peace and say her goodbyes. We walked and talked, learning about her caretaking of all her family members including her mother. Michelle positioned the monitor so we could wait outside the room and give her privacy. She summoned the mother's nurse and the doctor to come and speak to her patient.
When it was time to return to the ER, the other family members in the room thanked Michelle for her kindness and compassion. The brother was upset thinking his sister would never get to say her goodbyes. On the way back, the patient thanked her over and over and said it helped her make peace with her decision. Michelle went above and beyond to help this family mend. Michelle is heaven-sent. She made a huge impact on this patient and family. I am certain they are shouting from the rooftop the compassion she showed them.