I was taking care of a critically ill, young, trauma patient on dayshift for four days in a row. On the third day, CORE became involved in the case and the family was prepared to accompany the patient in the OR the following morning for a donation after cardiac death. The father of the patient requested a Buddhist Monk come in to see the patient the day prior to extubation.
Despite my own efforts to contact our clergy, it seemed as if there was no luck getting ahold of nearby Buddhist monks. I had asked our CORE rep, clinician, charge RN, and clergy to find a nearby monk with no luck. I relayed to Chelsey my efforts at shift change and she took initiative to Google search local Buddhist Monks in the Pittsburgh area. She found the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center in Natrona Heights. She called them from her cellphone and coordinated a visit that night before the DCD in the morning. She had not only one but TWO monks come to visit the patient in the hospital.
The family was so appreciative and emailed us to thank us for the monks. The monks chanted and prayed with family at the bedside and calmed the mother's nerves. I was so impressed with Chelsey's determination to carry out the family's wishes during this difficult time. She also stayed for the moment of acknowledgment after her shift the following day before the patient went to the OR to be extubated. The family appreciated her staying past her shift when she didn't have to. I am honored to work alongside her.