We had a veteran that had served our county in 3 wars that took a turn for the worse. Normally alert and oriented, this gentleman was now no longer able to speak or understand English. This man had known and spoke 7 different languages but had reverted back to his native language of Polish. His wife spoke a little Polish, but due to his hearing deficits was unable to understand anything over the phone. His wife remembered that a "petite blonde nurse with curly hair" had been able to speak with him early in his admission on the inpatient unit.
This nurse was the Nurse of the Day (House Supervisor) Izzy Fajket. She was working at 4 pm and offered to come over to see our Hospice veteran. She and this veteran had a very animated conversation. She told him where he was, that the other nurses only spoke English, and answered his concerns. The conversation appeared to bring this sweet man some peace. Izzy also took the time to type out a list of needs, one side in Polish and the other in English, so staff could communicate with him. Izzy was able to relieve fears in the veteran's final hours of life. We all appreciate her so much.