Ten years ago, the now-retired Sandra Clarke started a program while working as a nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center called "No One Dies Alone."
Clarke made it her mission to make sure thousands of patients who were dying and alone had someone sitting by their bedside to comfort them in their final days.
Clarke found the inspiration for No One Dies Alone back in 1986, when she happened upon an elderly man with a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. .She knew death was near, as did the man himself, so he asked her if she would stay by his side.
Unfortunately, Clarke had other patients to care for, and by the time she got around back to the man, he had passed. Clarke recalled, "I was so upset. I never forgot that."
Now all these years later, NODA has comforted thousands of dying patients though they final days.
Clarke told Peace Heath, "Being part of NODA is a true privilege, and it is an absolute honor to be with someone as they leave this world. The part that is most difficult is I want to know about the person. What was their life? It is a blessing to share that most sacred moment as they take their last breath. It makes me appreciate life that much more!"
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