There was a very sick gentleman. Newly diagnosed with terminal cancer, he and his family were finding it difficult to navigate through the grief, anger, disbelief, and devastation of his cancer. Jackie cared for him multiple times, however, and was his nurse the day that his family decided that he would go to the inpatient hospice unit. By this time, the patient was non-decisional, surrounded by friends and family. Jackie ensured that this patient and family received optimal comfort and care, despite her full patient load. She continuously made that patient and family her priority. She ordered comfort food to the room, offered support to the family, all in different stages of the grieving process, answered every call light, and addressed every concern with the utmost compassion.
Several times I would see Jackie catch herself, take deep breaths and prepare for the family when the ever-consuming sadness of the situation was upon her as well. She never faltered. I can only hope that when I am sick or my family member is ill, that they receive the same amazing care that Jackie gave this patient and family. What a blessing she is to this unit, this hospital, and every patient and family member she cares for.