A was our patient on 8A for an extended period of time and we all got to know her and her family over the weeks she spent with us. Although her situation was a difficult one, the nurses cared deeply for her and did their best to give her the care she needed to be pain-free and comfortable. Family dynamics can often pose challenges during the delivery of care, and A's situation brought moral and ethical challenges along with those family dynamics that often left the nursing team emotionally exhausted and wanting more for A and the care we could provide her.
Throughout the weeks, A's daughter would often stop on the unit prior to her shift at Vibra and talk with her mom and the staff. R, her daughter, formed a bond with one of the nurses—Maria, and they talked about what A was like before she got sick. This bond became much stronger one evening. A's status at that time had been looking better over her 200+ day stay. She was set to get a fistula placed and possibly discharges to a SNF. She had returned from dialysis that day with low BP and meds were not working. A code blue was called after A became unresponsive and despite the team's best efforts, A passed away. R arrived for her nightly visit, unaware her mother had just passed away moments prior. Maria stepped in to be the emotional support R needed at that very tragic moment. Maria showed grace and compassion and went out of her way to ensure the family felt support during their time of need. She demonstrated the core values of Sanford nursing and exemplifies a true DAISY Nurse. She is deserving of recognition for her outstanding ability to show compassion for "our" patients regardless of assignment or role.