Caring for an individual with a spinal cord injury can be challenging but also rewarding. Attention to detail and high quality nursing are mandatory in this patient group. Care must be very specific and individualized for each person. Simple movements that are often taken for granted, leaves them dependent on caregivers for support and comfort.
A quadriplegic patient was on our unit for an extended stay. During this time, the patient, understandably, developed his list of favorite caregivers. The feeling was mutual for the caregivers that made the list. Through many challenges and setbacks and extensive work and planning by the entire team, the day was set for him to be discharged. Home caregivers that were identified spent time with the nurses on the unit to learn specifics of care.
As the day approached Jenn Barnett became concerned about the discharge and transition to home for him. She began to collect information through collaboration with other caregivers on the unit about what they had learned that was specific to his care. Knowing that he was a big Duke fan, Jenn then created his "Playbook" and included his name in the title. She labeled it "Tips and lessons learned from the unit's caregivers". The playbook included specific details about his preferences for delivery of care, such as trach care, step-by-step repositioning, and times for Activities of Daily Living. When the book was shared with the patient for review and input, he was very moved that someone cared enough to take the time to put it all in print.
Nursing skills can be taught and managed through rules, processes, and regulation. However, compassion comes from the heart and cannot easily be taught. Jenn is an expert nurse who delivers individualized care empathetically and with compassion. This is just one example that demonstrates her commitment to the patients she serves and assures a smooth transition from hospital to home.