Gracelyn Pinkerton, a nurse in the surgical trauma ICU, cared for a patient who had been in the hospital for three weeks. The patient suffered a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
The patient had an unusually difficult hospitalization with life-threatening complications. He understood the severity of his injury and chose not to live that way. It was heartbreaking for everyone to know this young man was choosing end-of-life care.
On the day he was to be removed from life support, he requested a playlist of his favorite songs, which Pinkerton made and played for him.
The patient also requested his family not be present when he passed away. Pinkerton made the difficult call to his family and explained his request.
The patient wanted Pinkerton to be in the room with him when life support was removed. She stayed with him, held his hand, talked to him and stroked his hair as he passed peacefully. Tears were shed by all, but Pinkerton was strong for the patient and made every effort to ensure his death happened the way he chose.
During her care for the patient and especially in his final moments, she provided the strength and compassion he needed.