December 2023
Shayna
McBrady
,
BSN, RN
Adult Emergency Department
UF Health Shands
Gainesville
,
FL
United States
Shayna noticed how well Dad took care of Mom—clean clothes, underwear, and her hair done weekly even though Parkinson’s had taken such a toll on her body. She recognized an amazing caregiver in Dad. She was so gentle with Mom and her frail, failing body
I flew out from out of state to see my aging parents in Gainesville. When I walked in the door, my dad greeted me with, “I’m calling 911. Your mom is unresponsive.” Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s many years ago, and in the last few years, the disease has really taken a toll on her body. Paramedics arrived and determined she needed to be transported to the Shands ED. During Mom’s brief stay there, she had a nurse by the name of Shayna. I’m writing to tell you, she was an angel, a kind, caring and compassionate nurse. She was so patient with my hard-of-hearing elderly father and so supportive of me. I was exhausted, emotional, and wondering for a time if this was it for Mom. Shayna noticed how well Dad took care of Mom—clean clothes, underwear, and her hair done weekly even though Parkinson’s had taken such a toll on her body. She recognized an amazing caregiver in Dad. She was so gentle with Mom and her frail, failing body. And, for that, I am grateful. When we left the hospital, Shayna and another nurse got Mom to my car and helped her in, gave my dad a hug and even indulged his “dad jokes.” My mom has since passed away, and even in this season of grief, I remember Shayna, and I’m so thankful for her and the way she cared for all three of us that night. She has made an amazing impact on us, one that was memorable.