Adara was assigned to care for a terminally ill patient who was scheduled to discharge to home with Hospice care. While Adara gave exceptionally compassionate care to the patient, it was how she interacted and engaged with the family that becomes the focus of this nomination. The patient's decision maker had been exasperating to the entire staff with demands, questions, ultimatums, behaviors towards the staff and seemingly unrealistic expectations for the patient's care and outcome.
Adara was compassionate and attentive to both the patient and the family, giving them updates as needed and making sure the patient was comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, the transfer team declined to take the patient, fearing the patient would die in route to the patient's home. Adara updated the care team - physician, Family Support Team and Palliative care to offer the family emotional support. Adara also adapted to the situation and kept her focus on what was needed for everyone in the room. When the patient passed away without pain or discomfort, the family was fully supported and allowed to mourn.
Adara exuded professionalism, patience, composure, tact and respect to this patient and the family during their entire lengthy admission, helping to build up a level of trust with the decision maker and children. Adara cared for her other patients during this stressful time with the same vigor and attention that this dying patient and family was privileged to receive.