October 2016
Jo Ann
Behounek
,
RN
Emergency Department
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Bolivia
,
NC
United States
We had a patient in our Emergency Department who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had only been given a couple of weeks to live. Her last request was to visit the beach. Unfortunately, she became very sick and became a patient in our Emergency Department. Her family told Jo Ann that their mother really wanted to go to the beach but had no way to get her on the sand with the wheelchair she was using. Jo Ann, along with another team member took the time to call around to different agencies, rental places, and finally contacted the Tri-Beach Fire Department. The Fire Department agreed to transport the patient and provided a special chair for her to access the beach. The efforts of this nurse allowed the patient a chance to see the ocean during her last days. The family had tears of joy that this wish came true and the patient could enjoy her last vacation with her family.