Lisa Hopper
October 2018
Lisa
Hopper
,
BSN, RN
Gibson
Maine Medical Center
Portland
,
ME
United States
I am writing to nominate Lisa (Leone) Hopper, RN, for a DAISY Award. Lisa took care of my fiancé many times throughout his battle with cancer but the care she provided towards the end of his life will always be cherished. During the day, I would spend time at the bedside with my fiancé but would leave at night to sleep and re-charge. When I left him in the nurses' hands at night I always felt comfortable, but when he had Lisa I was the most at ease because they had a special bond; she took incredible care of him. Throughout his cancer battle, he always told me he had two fears - one being a straight catheter or a Foley catheter placement to empty his bladder and two being death.
One night, in particular, was incredibly difficult. He had been admitted with a pain crisis related to new tumors in his spine. At this time, he lost control of his bladder and bowels and he was retaining urine. Both the spread of his disease and the loss of control over his bladder and bowels were devastating as a 27-year-old man. Lisa continuously assured him that she was there to help and she would get him through all of the obstacles that were in his way that evening. Lisa listened to his wishes, she made him feel at ease even when he was uncomfortable and she advocated for him when calling the doctors overnight. He was confused and had to have the bed alarm on which made him very upset, as if we were taking away his independence, again something a young man was not willing to give up. Lisa persistently reminded him why we were protecting his safety, she even pulled her computer on wheels right outside his door to ensure she would be there immediately when he needed help. Lisa was able to make a horrible situation a little more bearable. By morning he was a little less confused, together he and Lisa had conquered his fear of emptying his bladder with a catheter and his pain was better controlled. He continued to have to empty his bladder with a straight catheter until he passed away. It was Lisa who helped overcome this fear and began the teaching process to this skill.
Lisa provided exceptional patient care in a difficult situation. Lisa is a special kind of nurse that connects with her patients, cares for them deeply, and works tirelessly to meet their unique needs. I was so thankful to have Lisa caring for my loved one. She is a role model that truly represents what it means to be a DAISY Nurse.
One night, in particular, was incredibly difficult. He had been admitted with a pain crisis related to new tumors in his spine. At this time, he lost control of his bladder and bowels and he was retaining urine. Both the spread of his disease and the loss of control over his bladder and bowels were devastating as a 27-year-old man. Lisa continuously assured him that she was there to help and she would get him through all of the obstacles that were in his way that evening. Lisa listened to his wishes, she made him feel at ease even when he was uncomfortable and she advocated for him when calling the doctors overnight. He was confused and had to have the bed alarm on which made him very upset, as if we were taking away his independence, again something a young man was not willing to give up. Lisa persistently reminded him why we were protecting his safety, she even pulled her computer on wheels right outside his door to ensure she would be there immediately when he needed help. Lisa was able to make a horrible situation a little more bearable. By morning he was a little less confused, together he and Lisa had conquered his fear of emptying his bladder with a catheter and his pain was better controlled. He continued to have to empty his bladder with a straight catheter until he passed away. It was Lisa who helped overcome this fear and began the teaching process to this skill.
Lisa provided exceptional patient care in a difficult situation. Lisa is a special kind of nurse that connects with her patients, cares for them deeply, and works tirelessly to meet their unique needs. I was so thankful to have Lisa caring for my loved one. She is a role model that truly represents what it means to be a DAISY Nurse.