P.M. was admitted to the TICU after a motor vehicle accident. She was not wearing her seatbelt. Her best friend, the driver, died. The physicians told her parents that she had 98% mortality. P.M. had a head injury, facial and pelvic fractures, pulmonary contusions and pneumonia. Unstable, her condition deteriorated, and she needed pressors, a swan and HFOV. She was unrecognizable to her family except for her blue nail polish.
Her chances were slim, but her mother was adamant that her daughter would not die. Inspired by the strength and love in this family, I felt a strong attachment. I spent hours educating, laughing, crying, hugging and just being with them. We bathed her, removing the debris from her hair, and shared stories and dreams. They talked about the strength and courage P.M. possessed that would pull her through this tragedy.
I played her favorite CD all day, painted my nails blue, put up pictures, cards and banners, and even wore pins and bracelets saying "Pray 4 P.M." As P.M. improved and lines and tubes were removed, I slid her over in bed so her mom could lie next to her and hold her knowing the strength and love of her mom's embrace would calm P.M.
My heart and soul goes into my job every day, but once in a while there is the one who grabs your heartstrings and pulls you along for the ride. I shared good and bad days with P.M. and her family. I found a kindred spirit in P.M. with her strength and her desire to be everything she once was.
P.M. changed my life forever with her drive to live. P.M. thanks me for helping to save her life; I thank her for being my inspiration. People ask me why I became a nurse; all I have to say is look at P.M.
