One day recently, the Palliative Care team met with a patient and his large Filipino family to discuss the very distressing news that the patient exhausted his treatment options and that making him comfortable was the best remaining option.
Reportedly, the patient discussed his decision to stop treatment with his RN, Devorah - who also spoke his native tongue of Tagalog - earlier in the day, but the family remained hopeful that something could still be done. During our meeting, it was explained to the family that the patient made the request to Devorah. Normally, all information was interpreted by the patient's son who was also his durable power of attorney. As we explained the patient's decisions to the grieving family, eventually we decided to bring Devorah in to help the patient's words be heard.
Devorah came into the room and gently sat on the edge of the patient's bed. She took his hands and spoke directly to him. The patient focused on Devorah and listened attentively. She asked the patient in Tagalog if he wished to continue receiving treatments through all of the lines, which were extending his life and prolonging his natural dying process. The patient shook his head, "No." Devorah went on to ask what his wishes were for CPR and intubation should his heart stop or his lungs cease to function. In each case, the patient shook his head, "No." Devorah went on to explain to the family that we were only prolonging the patient's suffering and agony by keeping him hooked up to artificial means of life support. The patient expressed his wishes so clearly at each question that his family could have no doubt as to his wishes.
By the time all of the questions were asked and the patient stated, "I want to be comfortable," everyone in the room was in tears.
Devorah expressed such heartfelt empathy and caring by allowing this patient's most personal wishes to be heard and understood. While I have heard these questions asked many times, and have asked them myself, I have never heard them asked with such kindness and eloquence. The patient was so clear in his responses that he was able to lift any burden of responsibility from his family at being able to approach the end of his life with grace, dignity and without pain.
Devorah continued to assist the Palliative Care team, Dr. Patel and Dr. Abrams, by advocating on the patient's behalf and have his epidural checked and evaluated, as it had been in place for many weeks.
Devorah cares for each of her patients as though they were her very own family member. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Devorah Martin for Harrison Medical Center's DAISY Award. Devorah personifies the exemplary care and compassion in nursing that the DAISY Award seeks to recognize.
Dr. Abrams, Dr. Patel, Dr. Hurlow and this MSW are in unanimous agreement that Devorah is more than deserving of the DAISY Award for exemplary care.
Note: This is Devorah Martin's second DAISY Award!