Journal of Sacred Work

At Wuesthoff Health System in Brevard County Florida, one of the organizations that is a member of the new Healing Hospital Network (HHN) established by the Healing Trust, a loving culture is being enhanced by gathering and sharing stories of Sacred Work each week. Sr. V.P Johnette Gindling has arranged for these stories to be published ever Friday. Brenda Mozak, one of their caregivers, sends me these each week… 

An elderly woman was brought to the Emergency Department in critical condition. When she was moved into the ICU, her day shift nurse, Sherry Murray, RN, explained to the patient’s daughter and grandson that the woman was dying, and she arranged for the daughter to speak with the physician about how gravely ill her mother was. In her letter, the daughter said that Sherry “was so kind and considerate to me while I was staying with Mom and took such tender care of her and saw to her every need. She even found a minister who came in and had prayer with Mom and me during her remaining hours. I appreciate each and every thing she did.” During the night shift, Yvonne Forde-Watson, RN, was in charge of the elderly woman’s care. The daughter said that Yvonne “checked on us so many times and even brought me in a lounge chair and put it by the bed so I could stay with Mom until the end. When the end came, she came in and held both my son and myself in her arms and let us cry.”

The daughter also wrote, “I have been in enough other hospitals to know this is way beyond what these nurses are paid to do and with their help, it made a very difficult day and night bearable. I will always recommend your Center to everyone who needs help because I know they will all be well taken care of.”

“That is the way I would want my mom to be treated,” said Sherry, “and I believe that the family needs care just as much as the patient.”

“You have to evaluate the situation to see if you will be needed,” commented Yvonne about the comfort she gave after the patient died. “I knew this family needed my support.”

Below is a lovely example of a recent story posted in their organization. It raises a question for you, how are you capturing & retelling the loving stories in your organization? – Editor

FRIDAY THOUGHTS – June, 2006 – Wuesthoff Health System

In the eyes of patients and families, the kindness and attention that Loving Care hearts give to their patients can make all the difference in the world. This week’s Friday Thoughts is based on a beautiful letter received by Don McKenna, Administrator at WMC-Melbourne….