Brianna Giordano exemplifies what a hospice nurse should be. She meets each patient where they are in their end-of-life journey and adjusts her care and approach so that each recipient of her visits, both patient and family, has a personalized and meaningful experience. From the patient who only wants a visit every two weeks and minimum intrusion to the patient who needs a lot of supervision and teaching about comfort medications, Brianna handles them all with a warm smile and true compassion.

The hospice team admitted a patient with advanced disease who lived by himself, was mostly estranged from his family, and had a friend who would stop by. The patient's goal was to stay home. His wish was to die at home. He did discuss future care needs with the team, but his true goal was to stay home. This patient had significant symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. He also had significant psychosocial and spiritual concerns, and he allowed the whole team to care for him. Brianna patiently listened to the patient’s needs, introducing comfort solutions and allowing him to make his own decisions about when and how to start comfort medications and what DME was permitted in the home.

Brianna kept the patient’s safety in mind and frequently addressed this with the patient, offering him alternate plans of care. The patient became weaker and had increasing symptoms, and through careful and compassionate nursing, the patient was able to manage and stay home. There was frequent care coordination between RN, HHA, MSW, and PC. The patient met his goal and passed away alone in his own home. The team was emotional about the patient being alone when he passed, and Brianna was supportive of her fellow team members. Brianna is an exceptional team player.