Brittany's patient was very sick and may not make it to morning. Brittany was in her room all night. She kept the patient comfortable and pain free. Although the family members were initially very upset and shocked at how fast the patient's condition had deteriorated, Brittany's reassuring words gave the family members the assurance they needed at that specific moment. Brittany was very attentive towards the family. She made sure that their needs were met. Her actions immediately calmed the patient's family members.
Brittany made sure that the health care team is available to the patient and the family especially in this tough transition. She utilized the rest of the health care team to tend to this family's needs. Small things were done, which made a big impact for this family. For example, she had asked me to bring Kleenex, refreshments and chairs to make sure that the rest of the patient's family is comfortable throughout their stay.
The family members have always been kept up to date about the patient's status in the privacy of the patient's room. This eased the family's anxiety. Because of her excellent communication skills, the family felt safe and confident that their loved one was in the care of a competent nurse.
Brittany always treats her patients as if they were her own family. The impact she made in the lives of this family was evident. The family was able to accept the situation and confident in the decision that the family had done the best they could.