For COVID-19 Patient and Wife, Health First Nurses’ Compassion Brings Solace During Scary Time

By Health First // May 13, 2020

During Sean’s ICU stay, nurse Michelle comforted Robyn through regular updates on her husband’s health

Despite having a sibling who works as a nurse, Sean never really gave much thought to the role these healthcare workers play in caring for their community. But then Sean came down with COVID-19 — and saw firsthand how crucial these caregivers are. (Health First image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Despite having a sibling who works as a nurse, Sean never really gave much thought to the role these healthcare workers play in caring for their community.

But then Sean came down with COVID-19 — and saw firsthand how crucial these caregivers are.

“I have an entirely new appreciation for healthcare workers,” the 36-year-old Palm Bay man said of his experience at Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital.

“My brother is a nurse, and I never understood until now how much of a calling it is to take care of other people. These men and women selflessly put their lives on the line to care for others.”

Sean, now on the mend, recently spent a week at the hospital fighting COVID-19. And being sick, isolated and away from his family — especially his wife, Robyn — wasn’t easy.

Because of strict visitor policies enacted to prevent the spread of the virus, Robyn, a local teacher, had to help coordinate his care remotely.

While she understood the constraints for the safety of all involved during her husband’s care, the experience was challenging for both of them emotionally.

But the care Sean received — and the constant communication from Sean’s compassionate nurses — made the situation easier on them both.

During Sean’s ICU stay, nurse Michelle comforted Robyn through regular updates on her husband’s health.

“She completely understood the uniqueness of the situation,” Robyn shared. “She did whatever she could to ease my concerns and keep my husband comfortable.”

Michelle went beyond her nursing duties — taking to heart the little things she could do to ease their anxieties and make things a little more normal during such a stressful time.

Michelle even met Robyn outside of the hospital to retrieve a change of clothes for Sean — something outside of the scope of her nursing duties.

Sometimes, simple gestures such as that in a time of crisis can make a big difference for patients and their loved ones.

“Compassion poured out of her, and she treated him as she would treat her own family,” Robyn said of Michelle. “He wasn’t just a patient to her — she genuinely cared about his well-being and viewed him as a person who has people who love him who couldn’t be there.”

Sean said Michelle wasn’t the only one going above and beyond. He noted that the care of ICU nurse Ashley and Medical-Surgical Unit nurse Stephanie stretched beyond their scope of duties.

“I am forever grateful to have been on the receiving end of that care and compassion,” Sean said.

Sean and Robyn are thankful for all of the prayers, love and support they have received — and they are especially thankful to have encountered some special people along the way.