cheryl swartley, BSN, RN-BC, CHPN

A patient presented to the hospital after suffering a stroke. It was very clear that her prognosis and quality of life would more than likely never be the same. The patient's family expressed that they did not wish for heroic measures to be performed due to the grim prognosis. The palliative care team was then consulted. It was early on a weekend morning, however Cheryl promptly returned a page. The patient was placed on the top of her radar and she arrived shortly after.
Cheryl met with the family and critical care team and after much discussion, and more importantly, patiently listening to the feelings of the family, the decision was made to transition the patient to comfort care.
The outstanding professionalism, kindness and patience that Cheryl showed with not only the patient's family, but also with me and my new RN orientee who had never experienced this type of situation before, was exemplary. She never hesitated to comfort and encourage not only the family but also the nursing staff. It was an experience that renewed my love of nursing care and I will never forget it. I know this family feels the same.