Megan cared for a very complicated patient whose course of stay included extended time in the hospital, including cardiac surgery. The patient lived with his long-time partner who never left his side throughout the hospital stay. Megan developed a relationship quickly with the partner and made many efforts to help make the time in the hospital more meaningful and comfortable as well as offering emotional support. Megan reached out to the Goldstone Caregiver's Center to ensure that the partner could continue caring for life outside the hospital while spending every moment with his loved one. Noticing that the partner had been in the hospital for many consecutive days without leaving, she arranged for him to get a change of clothes and coordinated finding a place for personal care. She also noticed that he had not been eating much and ensured whenever she saw him, that he went to get food or she would bring it in for him.
When Megan brought the patient for surgery, she noticed now anxious the partner was and stayed after her shift to reassure him that he was in very competent hands and ensured that the Cardiac Surgery team knew exactly how to contact him when the surgery was over. She personally walked him to the Goldstone Caregiver's Center to make sure he would be in a comforting environment with support readily available should he need it. As the stay continued, Megan would have many long talks with both the patient and partner supporting them through the recovery process. Throughout this time, the partner shared how this experience had heightened his awareness of how short life can be and how important it is to make your time on earth valuable. He shared with Megan, "What am I waiting for?" and near the end of the stay, he proposed in the Critical Care Unit and the patient said "Yes!". Megan and the whole unit shared in their joy. This is only one story of many showing how Megan exemplifies clinical expertise and compassionate nursing care.