I had the opportunity to meet Alica in her nursing role as she cared for my mother. During my mom's hospital stay, I tried to be available at the change of shift but this morning I came late since I had searched for the hard copy of the power of attorney and advance directives.
We had our palliative care meeting and our family was aware of the possible outcome and hospice care. The hospitalist was waiting to inform me that my mother did not qualify to stay in the hospital. After discussion of what would qualify for my mom to remain in the hospital, it was determined that hospice care would be appropriate. As a nurse, I realized that my mother was "actively dying". As a daughter, I did not want to have her moved only to die in transit. Then "my" nurse, Alicia, came to my support. I felt like we were sisters and she was part of my family as we planned for safe, reliable comfort care for a patient at end of life.
Alica efficiently started her on a drip within minutes of the decision. As an effective communicator, Alica tactfully informed the case manager about the change of status. As a caring, compassionate nurse, Alica respectfully honored my mother as she did her morning cares in a very loving way with compassion and made sure my mom was comfortable and positioned her every 2 hours.
As family came to say their goodbyes, she coordinated some refreshments. After my mom passed, she allowed special family time without interruption as we said our final goodbyes.
As a bedside nurse and team member, Alica Nordstrom, shows compassion to her patients and her work "family". A special thank you to Alica Nordstrom for her extraordinary, compassionate care, at a very vulnerable time.
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Alica went well above and beyond not only in her care of my Father-in-law but most notably in her care and concern for his wife and the rest of the family. Her efforts to establish, maintain and strengthen her relationship with the patient and his family made a long, frustrating and stressful time, significantly easier.
She took her time on many occasions to listen to us with our questions and explained situations or tests and made sure that all our concerns and uncertainties were resolved. Alica was outstanding in competence, care and demonstrated outstanding character.
This type of openness and rapport to patients is taxing to the extreme for a nurse, it would be much easier, emotionally to remain aloof and detached. Alica never wavered. Thank you, Alica