Monika exemplifies what it means to treat your patients like those you love the most. Recently Monika had two very ill patients she was caring for in the ICU. While she was extremely busy, neither of her patients or their families did without care or love. One of her patients was moved to hospice that day and Monika helped coach and support the family through this very tough time. Her other patient's wife received some very devastating news that day that led to the decision to withdraw care on the patient. The patient passed very quickly and left behind a very sad wife. Monika showed her compassion and empathy all while juggling his critical condition. She is a very valuable asset to THH and Cardiac ICU team.
During a very emergent transfer to ICU, the patient MPOA was verbally and physically threatening to Monika. Monika did not engage, but continued talking, soothing, de-escalating all the while providing patient care. This was a likely end-stage crisis for the patient and the MPOA was his mother. Throughout the next few hours of tests and consultations, Monika was able to establish a rapport with this difficult family member and was able to facilitate help to the patient although the MPOA chose to sign the patient out AMA. Monika was able to gain her confidence staying with the patient and hugging her while providing the most dignity to the patient as respectfully as possible. She was able to use her years of NICU and ICU experience to explain both technically and in the vernacular to the MPOA to allow her to make the most informed decision for her son.
Although the decision did not agree with the medical advice, Monika showed compassion and empathy to the mother in crisis, and went above and beyond stroking the patient's head, holding his hand and staying at the bedside to comfort him in his distress. Her spiritual support of prayer was a great benefit to the mother and she truly appreciated it. Monika was able to minister, medically, emotionally, and spiritually reflecting Christ's love and compassion.
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While I was in ICU in DKA I had a couple frustrations when coming off the insulin-drip. I was getting the correct amount of insulin with my injections for my meals I was having. Other nurses that care for me were doing what they could to keep me comfortable, but Monika was a little different. She came in and went above and beyond for me making sure I was completely comfortable and when she found out I wasn't she made calls and made it happen. She is the most outstanding nurse I have ever had in the countless hospitalizations I have had. I have felt very blessed to be in her care and will be choosing Huguley again. Monika Dumas - you're the best!