Our unit is caring for a patient who is dying from a COVID-19 infection. His family has not seen him in a long time because he was at an inpatient facility prior to being admitted to the hospital. During his stay, his goals of care were discussed with the family.
Today, the son made the tough decision to make him comfort care only. The family had a really tough day. We FaceTimed them with the patient so they could see him, but that didn't replace the in-person connection they wish they could make in his last days. Ally informed the family that per our unit protocol, because of his COVID status, he was not allowed visitors. The family accepted this as the case.
Ally reached out to the coordinators who referred us to other units about this issue. She discovered that one visitor was allowed to come to sit outside the room for some time. The family was so grateful! She went above and beyond to make it possible for the patient's son to see his dad before he passed. The son was so appreciative of the staff's efforts to allow him to see his father. What Ally did for this patient and his family changed lives. She is an example to all nurses, especially now.