It is not unlike Danbi to be humble about the extraordinary things she does or about the kindness in her heart. Her compassionate spirit is exemplified in how she cared this patient on 8 West Doan and how she went above and beyond to help bring him a sense of peace while also making sure he did not die alone. This is Danbi's story in her own words.
"It is important to understand that working on the Corrections Unit has unique challenges when it comes to dealing with the death and dying process. These patients are incarcerated and many of them, due to the nature of their crimes, have no family involvement. Often the nursing staff becomes the only individuals with whom inmates are able to share their last thoughts, fears and moments of their life. This responsibility is not taken lightly. Above all else, the nurse is there to ensure proper care, empathy, compassion and to advocate for the patient as they approach their final moments so they can die with dignity.
The journey that leads many patients to the end of life can be fraught with uncertainty, pain, and fear. Patients nearing impending death can begin to question the meaning of life and more specifically the meaning of their life. This can be especially difficult with incarcerated patients who have made poor life choices. A predicament such as this can provide a challenge when promoting death with dignity. However, when I had the opportunity to care for an older male patient I incorporated a multifaceted approach in order to provide caring and compassionate end of life care.
At the shift change huddle, the charge nurse communicated that this particular patient had a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order in place and had been near death for several days and was being discharged to hospice.
The night shift nurse informed me in handoff that the patient had been extremely agitated overnight and voiced regret about the harm he had inflicted on others and that he was afraid to die. During the night, the patient's remaining family members were notified of his condition and were given the opportunity to visit, but they did not.
During my initial assessment, I gave particular attention to his work of breathing, presence of oral secretions and pain assessment as there were orders for Robinull, sublingual atropine, and morphine to ensure his comfort. I indicated to the patient that I had received report of his agitation and fears. I explained to him that his medical chart indicated he was Christian and that I shared the same belief.
I expressed that in accordance with our beliefs; even in the final hour of our life he could find forgiveness and peace. Additionally, it was explained to the patient that if he did not want to be alone as he transitioned from this life to the next I would finish care for other patients and come sit with him if he was ready to let go.
During my assessment, I observed that his breathing pattern had changed to the Cheyne stokes pattern and upon checking his vitals, there was a definite decline from previous baseline. I notified the patient's service that death was imminent and requested his discharge to be canceled. I informed the charge nurse of the patient's status and shared how I didn't want him to be alone in his final moments.
The nursing staff on the unit supported this effort and my patient assignment was changed to one on one in order to accommodate the patient's end of life care. We also moved him to a private room on the unit to provide a peaceful quiet environment.
The remainder of the patient's life, while on our unit, was spent in my company while I read a few Bible passages and sang a few hymns in a low tone. I believe he felt he was provided dignity in death in spite of his past and that he found the forgiveness he had so desperately sought."
What Danbi provided for this patient was pure and genuine compassion. Danbi shared this story with me weeks after the patient died while I was desperately searching for a narrative about death and dying to share in a separate document. It was not her intent to showcase her level of acceptance in this difficult situation or her ability to rise above the norm of human judgment. It was out of her desire to help me and her peers that she offered this submission. It is with gratitude for having Danbi on our team that I share this with you. She is a true DAISY Nurse.