One afternoon, Elsa was faced with one of the most difficult challenges that come with working in a neurosurgical/trauma ICU. A young woman presented to the unit after a snowmobile accident. The patient's husband was also on the vehicle as it plummeted over a cliff. This previously healthy 32-year-old female sustained a devastating head injury, while her husband escaped with minor orthopedic injuries.
Upon the patient's arrival at the ICU, Elsa collaborated with the ICU team to manage the woman's rapidly deteriorating neurological status. While trying to maintain the patient's stability, Elsa recognized the importance of having the family at the bedside. She encouraged their questions and immediately involved the social worker and Pastoral Services to address emotional and spiritual needs.
Despite the ICU team's best efforts with aggressive management, the patient progressed to brain death. After giving the family time to grieve, they were approached about the option of organ donation. While the patient's siblings embraced the opportunity to participate in this lifesaving gift, her husband felt conflicted. His personal feelings about donation did not coincide with his wife's constant drive to help others. Elsa encouraged him to spend time at his wife's bedside and supported him as he selflessly came to this difficult decision about going forward with donation.
Thereafter, Elsa received a letter from her patient's husband saying that he was greatly comforted knowing his wife had profoundly affected the lives of so many others. He also said he felt at peace with his decision and generously thanked Elsa for empowering him to make this difficult decision.
