Janet Beyl is worthy of recognition as a role model for extraordinary patient advocacy and compassion. She invested much time in the care of a very sick woman in the ICU, with a complicated medical and social history. The patient's family was especially difficult. The patient's husband was at the bedside constantly, looking over Janet's shoulder and picking apart every aspect of the patient's care. Though very disruptive, Janet responded to him with patience, respect, and compassion. She seemed to recognize how hard the patient's illness was on him, but in her sympathetic response, she never wavered from her commitment to provide the best care for her patient.
She spent a lot of time with this patient and though the patient was intubated, she was able to talk with her about her values and beliefs. This in itself is not especially noteworthy; our nurses work hard to connect with the patients they care for every day. What rose to the level of supererogatory was her continuous and staunch advocacy for the patient, her efforts to protect the patient even from her distraught and loving family. Janet's understanding of the patient's wishes and values was invaluable as the patient's husband persistently demanded treatment that the patient had refused or the physicians believed to be medically inappropriate. Janet supported her patient, taking the time to explain to the patient's husband our obligation to respect the patient's wishes and to avoid harming her. She retained her composure even as the husband's behavior escalated. She affirmed her commitment to the patient and advocated for her despite the husband's challenges and threats.
Even when not assigned to this patient, Janet would participate in rounds, seeking to support her nursing colleagues and guide decision making on the patient's behalf. She was always there to represent the patient's voice as their advocate.