Joann Morales
January 2018
Joann
Morales
,
RN, BSN
Emergency Department
Banner Churchill Community Hospital
Fallon
,
NV
United States

 

 

 

Joann went above and beyond this past weekend. We recently had a patient with a history of an MI, and we had him on tele. While he was a DNR, he was not on comfort care measures. He had been behaving well until one night, he became agitated. Joann went into his room and sat by his side. She was very comforting to him. She calmly held his hand and sang Christmas songs to him. When he finally fell asleep, she quietly left. She checked on him multiple times during the night, and when he woke up in the morning he reported to her it was the best sleep he had in a long time. Shift change occurred shortly after. The HUC then noticed his heart rate went down into the 30-40's. She promptly got the CNA there to take vitals, and another nurse was close behind. The doctor was quickly notified, and he was soon by the patient's side. Almost like clockwork, the family stepped off of the elevator. The doctor briefed the family and per the patients DNR status POC was made. The patient passed away shortly after. The family wanted to wait until he was transported to the funeral home. In that time, staff comforted the family, with tissues and the wonderful nurturing actions that seem to be natural. In the process, they told the story of how the nurse Joann sat by his side and sang to him. They were very grateful for the story. They said it meant a great deal to them and it was just another way of how great this hospital is from the moment they stepped foot to the moment they left.