Dennis is an excellent example of Ochsner's mission, vision, and core values. He cared for a family member of my husband. He represents empathy as a nurse caring for a dying patient. The patient came into the hospital and first was admitted to a regular unit. However, it was not long before he had to go to the ICU. A few days later, the patient was transferred back to a regular unit. After about a week of being in the hospital, the patient's systems started to shut down and the patient became septic from an infection in his heart. It was at this point that the patient was admitted to the 10th floor ICU and Dennis was his nurse for the rest of his time in the hospital. After several days of testing and treatment, it became apparent that the patient was nearing the end of his life.
Dennis exemplifies what it means to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. Dennis is very knowledgeable of the different disease processes and nursing. It can be very intimidating to the patient and their family members when they do not understand what is going on. Dennis showed that he understood this aspect and he was very compassionate and caring when explaining any treatment or procedures that were being performed. Most of the time, my husband's family member was not conscious, but we know that a patient's subconscious can still receive information. Dennis showed that he understood this by always speaking to the patient as he cared for him. At one point the patient needed to have continuous dialysis, and he was able to explain how dialysis would help the patient. He also educated the family on any medications that the patient was receiving.
As the end of life neared for the patient, Dennis was able to guide the family through the process of letting go of a loved one. Dennis helped to educate the family on how the infection was spreading throughout the body and why his body was unable to fight off the infection effectively. He was empathetic and supportive of the family when they had to make the tough decision to withdraw care. He was present each time the physician came to see the family and patient so that he could be supportive of the family after the physician left the bedside. He guided them through the grieving process by allowing the family adequate time to say their last goodbyes to the patient prior to the time that care was withdrawn. Dennis then explained each step to the family as care was methodically withdrawn and described what they should expect. He served the family by allowing them to take as much time as they needed after the patient passed away and did not rush them through the grieving process.
It was apparent that Dennis's core values are in alignment with Ochsner's core values of providing quality care and loyalty for the patients that he cares for. In the midst of all good nurses in this profession, he exemplifies the "human" aspect of nursing, he never faltered or showed any type of strain. He was consistent and professional in always providing excellent care with every encounter.