Angela has only been working in the Cardiology Holding Area for a short time and today she demonstrated compassion and caring for a patient and their family.
Angela received a report from Radiology on a patient that had a procedure to assist in end of life comfort care. After receiving the patient in the post care area, it was noted that the patient was tachycardic and had decreased oxygen saturations. She explained to the patient's family what was happening, and she was contacting the physician, but there was a possibility that the patient may need to go to the Emergency Room to be evaluated. The patient and his family stated that they did not wish to make a trip to the ER but wanted to go home to be comfortable and informed her that he was in fact a Hospice patient. Angela contacted the Radiologist that performed the procedure and explained to him the patient's wishes. Angela then asked if she could contact in-patient Palliative Care for assistance.
Angela spoke with the patient and his family and explained to them that she was going to work with the Palliative Care Team, to work with his Hospice Care Team, to get him home. Upon arrival to the Holding area, the Palliative Care Team was given report by Angela who explained to them the patient's wishes and why he had the procedure. Angela had also been getting information from the family who had been in contact with an inpatient hospice care unit near their home. The Palliative Care Team assisted the patient in getting him to the inpatient care unit with the family saying how grateful they were for how Angela had cared for and listened to their and the patient's wishes.