Ashley goes above and beyond for her patients; one particular patient stands out who was given a grave diagnosis at the age of 26 years old. He originally came in thinking he had an acute yet common illness; appendicitis and was able to tell me during Nurse leader visits that he had researched that he should come out of surgery with some puncture wounds and Band-Aids. He returned with a devastating diagnosis of untreatable Metastatic appendiceal carcinoma; stage IV with liver Mets. He has been admitted and discharged many times since his diagnosis.
This nurse not only completed frequent checks on him but also anticipated his needs before he even had to ask, preventing pain and nausea. She was creative yet determined to make things more comfortable for his visit on Med Surg.
She has built strong relationships with this patient and family and it shows, they trust her and look to her for guidance during this scary time. He has a young son. Ashley changed rooms so that the family and the son can spend the night and have private time with him while he is here. She has impacted this family and they will never forget the support that she has provided them during this time, I would not be surprised to see her visiting family when that day comes.
She informed me on one particular day that he wanted to play some video games with his son and that she placed a TV on the rolling cart in the room…. In case, one was reported missing.
Not only thinking of the patient, but his family, she attempted to make a CD for them to help using music therapy. She checks on him even when he is not in her group and on her own time. Recently the patient's mother was visiting and was having chest pain, the mother trusted her after taking the time to take her blood pressure and assisted her to the ER for evaluation.
This has been a special bond with this nurse and family. One cannot say this is what nurses do; this is a different level of excellence, kindness, compassion and empathy. It is special to anyone who witnesses it.