This is a note Sarah Davis received from a nurse who is on orientation:

I have recently witnessed the most amazing display of team work at Union Hospital. Many weeks ago Chris Lakatosh and I (Teresa Wharton), were on ICU transferring a patient from the ER. While assisting the wonderful nurses of ICU in the bed transfer, we received a call from Sara Baker the charge nurse. She informed us that we had another cardiac arrest in route. The ICU nurses immediately took over and told us to go.

After returning to the ER, my coworkers were already prepping the room for the 3 week old pediatric cardiac arrest and respiratory therapist had arrived. I was afraid. I quickly talked to Dr. Piarulli who was the ER doctor that day and told him how I was feeling. Dr Piarulli came into the room that was assigned the arrest and made sure I had the supplies I might need. Dr. Piarulli and my nursing peers talked about what would happen and what our roles would be. The ER staff was ready and Chris Carter and the medics arrived. The medics were swift and efficient and had delivered expert care out in the field. They also stayed and offered assistance if we needed them.

As soon as the mother arrived we brought her back and Barb Bessicks was at her side explaining the care we were giving to her child. The ED staff absorbed the rest of my patients with natural ease as always. As other distraught family members arrived the parents requested that they not come back to the patient’s room. The front desk receptionist and Glenn Tosten from security took over the care of the family members. They took them to the family room and comforted them, relaying information the parents of the patient wanted to share.

As CPR continued Dr. Piarulli with immense gentleness and kindness stood between the young parents. He wrapped his arms around them and explained what was happing and that we were not making any progress. He discussed with them stopping CPR or continuing and allowed them to be a part of the decision. They along with the doctor made the decision with great sorrow to stop CPR. Dr. Piarulli held the parents in his arms as they sobbed with grief.

Jamie Snyder from MIC, whom also assisted with the delivery of this baby 3 short weeks earlier, came to the ER with the memory box and comforting arms. She also went back upstairs later to get baby blankets and returned swiftly. Jamie stayed with the parents and helped them grieve.

Pastoral care arrived and said prayers for the young couple and the baby.

The next day I sat in the parking lot at Union at 6:30 am for a shift that started at 7. I was unable to stop crying for that baby and her parents. I had been crying for hours and I didn’t know how I could give my patients my best that day. I sent a text message to my manager Sarah Davis explaining my feelings. She responded in 2 minutes with support and caring. I told her I needed to work but I couldn't imagine handling another code that day. She met me in the building sat with me in her office, cried with me, and rearranged the assignment so that I would work on urgent care.

Although there was great sadness that day, I am grateful for the experience I had. All of the ER staff, DMES, respiratory therapist, Security, MIC, EMS, pastoral care, and ICU displayed team work that was phenomenal. Thank you all for making a sad situation an experience of compassionate and caring team work I will never forget.

Values…
Caring and Compassion • Integrity • Leadership • Shared Learning