Erin McGuire
June 2015
Erin
McGuire
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical ICU
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland
,
OR
United States
"The MICU patient population brings several challenges to the nurses. The MICU in many ways is a palliative unit caring for patients who are on comfort care measures and within days to weeks of passing. The patient journey down this path is welcomed and supported by our excellent staff. One exemplary story happened last August.
Erin McGuire was caring for a patient and family who had been on the unit for some time with acute respiratory complications compromised by other chronic co-morbidities. The entire family dynamics were tested by the patient's stay in the MICU. After many discussions and family care conferences, the patient and wife decided that he should be extubated and placed on comfort care status. Further extending the obvious anxiety for the patient and family over this decision was the patient's 3-year wedding anniversary was in this same week.
The patient's wife and friends were the party planners, and Erin supported them along the way. Erin reports that he did not have the energy to stay out of his room very long but she was most pleased with how excited he was making the plans. Writing down games he would like to play and food he wanted to watch his family enjoy.
Erin worked with all interprofessional team members to celebrate the anniversary with a party for the patient and his wife prior to extubation. This took coordination from the Respiratory Therapist and nurse to transport the patient to the MICU conference room where the celebration took place.
The patient, his wife, family and friends all enjoyed themselves during this experience. The family was grateful to share this time with the patient prior to his passing. That night the patient was extubated to comfort care, and the first words he spoke were a thank you to the RNs and RTs. He then spent time eating and drinking prior to passing away peacefully with loved ones at the bedside.
Erin went above and beyond to demonstrate compassion and the needs of the patient beyond his medical needs. One of his last memories was a time filled with happiness and laughter with his family not in his hospital room. He passed away later than night with his wife at his bedside. with memories that she will likely cherish for many years to come.
Reflecting back on the compassion that was shown by Erin in coordinating and supporting the family during a time of stress and sadness, truly exemplifies what an extraordinary nurse Erin is.
Erin McGuire was caring for a patient and family who had been on the unit for some time with acute respiratory complications compromised by other chronic co-morbidities. The entire family dynamics were tested by the patient's stay in the MICU. After many discussions and family care conferences, the patient and wife decided that he should be extubated and placed on comfort care status. Further extending the obvious anxiety for the patient and family over this decision was the patient's 3-year wedding anniversary was in this same week.
The patient's wife and friends were the party planners, and Erin supported them along the way. Erin reports that he did not have the energy to stay out of his room very long but she was most pleased with how excited he was making the plans. Writing down games he would like to play and food he wanted to watch his family enjoy.
Erin worked with all interprofessional team members to celebrate the anniversary with a party for the patient and his wife prior to extubation. This took coordination from the Respiratory Therapist and nurse to transport the patient to the MICU conference room where the celebration took place.
The patient, his wife, family and friends all enjoyed themselves during this experience. The family was grateful to share this time with the patient prior to his passing. That night the patient was extubated to comfort care, and the first words he spoke were a thank you to the RNs and RTs. He then spent time eating and drinking prior to passing away peacefully with loved ones at the bedside.
Erin went above and beyond to demonstrate compassion and the needs of the patient beyond his medical needs. One of his last memories was a time filled with happiness and laughter with his family not in his hospital room. He passed away later than night with his wife at his bedside. with memories that she will likely cherish for many years to come.
Reflecting back on the compassion that was shown by Erin in coordinating and supporting the family during a time of stress and sadness, truly exemplifies what an extraordinary nurse Erin is.