Leona had major impact on a CICU patient and his pet at the end of the veteran's life.
The veteran was aware of his grim prognosis and his no-code status reflected his acceptance of the reality that he was at the very end of his life. Not having any family to comfort him, his thoughts focused on the one source of love that sustained him as his life ebbed away, his beloved Siamese cat.
To his nurses, he confided his concerns and fears for his young pet's welfare after his passing. What would become of him? Who'd take care of him?and for how long? Would he end up in a shelter, possibly euthanized?
Last week the veteran died in our unit. After his death, one nurse showed a depth of compassion rarely witnessed in any profession. While everyday routines were still in disarray from a hurricane, this nurse arranged to take possession of his orphaned pet and give it a loving forever home, hers.
We often extend our care of the veterans to their families. In this case, the only family this dying man had was a small cat named Milo. Luckily for Milo, his owner had a nurse with a big heart.
The impact Leona had on this patient was profound by being instrumental in giving him the peace that his pet would be taken care of after he passed away. The emotional support that she gave her patient had a memorable and positive impact not only on the veteran but also the CICU team.