Juliana has a passion for hospice care and the importance of that work. But when the COVID-19 virus pandemic began, this facility immediately began gearing up for re-assigning nurses to accommodate the expected onslaught of patients. This nurse repeatedly requested of supervisors "Let me go! I want to be with those patients who are ill from this virus. I want to hold their hand and make sure that all their needs are met, and assure they are not alone!" At a time when the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) was uncertain and many nurses were running the other way, this nurse was pleading to be assigned to the COVID-19 unit. To allow high-risk nurses to be re-assigned elsewhere this nurse voluntarily left her long-term care position and became backfill on an acute care unit. There, worked as a mentor for other nurses re-assigned to this new unit, offering encouraging information, tours of the unit, and endless hours helping new staff orient and feel welcome. Her ability to lead and her easygoing manner makes them an invaluable part of this health care team.
Juliana demonstrated expressions of faith and hope, providing Palm leaves on Palm Sunday for the patients, nurtured their spiritual health, and was able to identify the need for a chaplain or behavioral consult if indicated. Advocates for patient preferences at end-of-life preferences, allowing the family to voice their feelings, remaining focused on the plan while providing encouragement when they are emotionally taxed. She brought special treats to patients who were no longer allowed the privilege of asking the visitors because of COVID restrictions.
Death was imminent, because of pandemic admission restrictions not permitted into the hospice unit. As death drew near, she was adamant that her patient not left alone in his last hours. The nurse held his hand and explained to other non-hospice staff important details of palliative care. During the night shift, she arranged a group of staff members to present a military funeral honor guard, Juliana demonstrated professionalism and commitment in draping and folding our US flag to honor a fallen veteran. This greatly improved patient outcomes by creating a serene, peaceful journey. Another patient refused his medication because "there were too many pills" she worked with him showing him and walking him through his medications on a worksheet. This worksheet included the names of the medications (generic and brand), time due, and purpose. This helped the Veteran become more aware of his medications and allows for easier medication administration for all who take care of them.
For 6 months she demonstrated exemplary behavior, never complaining of unpredictable conditions, and volunteering to be assigned the most difficult patients. Juliana has exercised utmost caring by praying, laughing, and comforting patients and always looking to do more, and working hard on each challenging situation to make work a better place. That one person everyone could depend on, after 35 years this nurse still never hesitates to volunteer and give her all to change the life of a patient.
With 35 years' experience, knowledge, common sense, and a goal to have the highest standards of care for all patients, Juliana is a credit to the healthcare profession, delivering safe nursing care to a culturally and medically diverse patient population. She emphasizes humanity in all situations, promotes whole health, and teaches others to preserve the patient's dignity by offering healthcare in a holistic manner. She serves as a board member of the nurse professional standards board, the promotion review board of LPN peers, demonstrates the highest level of competency in medication and treatment administration, staff/patient education, emergency response, wound care, patient safety, and customer service. Never hesitant to advocate for patients' needs or to collaborate with medical providers to ensure orders are in harmony with patients' expressed desires and treatment goals (IV antibiotics ordered on hospice patients causing undue pain/procedures). She is sought out by many throughout the facility as an expert resource, including but not limited to, honor guard, spiritual, hospice and palliative care, PICC line care, hypodermoclysis, and care of deceased veterans. Once she was the only one on night shift capable of applying an emergent dressing to seal up and correct wound vac air leaks reducing harm and providing an optimal patient outcome. Redirected a disgruntled, non-compliant confused patient and got him to the point of allowing treatment in his best interest. Later facilitating a discussion with co-workers about his situation and formulating a plan of care, implementing improved ways in which to approach this patient, therefore improving patient outcome. Juliana is a DAISY Nurse for her dedication and commitment to her patients and her passion for nursing.