Amy is very concerned and compassionate about her patients. One, in particular, is J. He has been ill and progressively getting worse with frequent medical problems and hospitalizations. She is respecting his wishes at this time in regard to palliative care and hospice but is advocating for him on all levels. Most lately is the progression of his liver disease. Amy has been working very hard collaborating with the PCP on lactulose dosing and pain control. She is keeping in contact with Aurora at Home RN to coordinate the same plan of care. She has also contacted a liver specialist in attempts to coordinate care and what would be the best for him with his symptoms becoming worse. He has such faith and trust in Amy.
He was started on a new medication and didn't want to start it until he talked with her. Amy called to see how he was doing. His pain was better after starting Morphine, but he was still uncomfortable. She contacted PCP for increased frequency and received the order. She spoke to the son who said they were hanging in there, but it was difficult. He was becoming shorter of breath with increased leg edema. Telemonitoring had his weight down not up as you would have suspected. His abdomen was increasing in size. She contacted the liver specialist who recommends he come to St. Luke's Main campus as they do not see patients at Southshore his normal hospital choice. Amy called and spoke to his son about the recommendations and the son agreed. Amy asked if she should talk to J and the son stated, "He trusts you and if this is what you recommend, he will do it." Our job is to try and assist patients in avoiding hospital admission, but to be able to determine over the phone that this will be unavoidable is key. J was admitted to ICU with pneumonia sepsis, on BiPap, and getting a paracentesis in the am. I believe Amy embodies every aspect of what Patrick's family felt about his caregivers. The connection, the compassion, and the empathy and understanding are exactly what she is accomplishing with J and his family. She is making a difference and is a role model for all nurses. I am so happy I am on her team.