We had a patient in ICU who was dying. She only had one son and he was in prison. She was distraught and sobbed often each day, feeling as if she didn't do enough for him, wanting to heal their relation, wanting to talk to him. She also had a niece who was helping to take care of her needs, and she felt bad about all the work the niece was doing on her behalf.
The woman was dying, sad, and needy. I spent a lot of time with her and Stephanie Walke. Finally, Stephanie was finally able to reach the son and the patient and son spoke on the phone. Stephanie then took more time from her busy day to help the patient dictate a letter to her son. Stephanie wrote down what the woman said; this was very healing for the patient.
The patient died the next day knowing that things were good with her son and niece. She said to me, "Everything is ok now, I am at peace."
Stephanie was compassionate, beyond what was called for. She spoke to the woman with love and patience. She made her feel like her life mattered.