My husband was admitted due to a blood clot in his leg which needed expert wound care. After the doctor's evaluation the next morning, it was determined the clot had already damaged the foot beyond repair. At my husband's request, it was decided there would be no surgery to resolve the issue. Palliative care was recommended.
I met RN, Kay Scott, when she arrived for her shift that morning. Immediately she consulted with the doctor and began her evaluation of my husband's pain level. She spoke with my husband and learned the pain was almost intolerable, and my husband asked her to just help him be comfortable.
She obtained authorization to provide the highest pain medicine to him and kept me informed every step of the way. Her level of caring and compassion was above anyone else I have ever encountered at any hospital. To put this into perspective, my husband had 27 operations during his life and was a "preferred customer" at Martin Health System because of the numerous visits over the years. Kay stood out by not only connecting personally with my husband, but by also being a resource for my family. Throughout the day, she regularly checked in with family members, and made decisions based upon my husband's wishes and his comfort. She coordinated with the Hospice representative and went above and beyond to obtain authorizations and assistance from other areas within the hospital connected to his specific situation. She provided us with knowledge about the medication and my husband's situation. Kay's goal was to honor his wish to make him pain free while he was in her care. She lifted his spirits by sharing in his humor and kept her word to be sure he was pain free.
I feel blessed my husband was under her care. He was at peace and transitioned with dignity surrounded by love from not only his family, but also Kay.