Meghan Melone recently cared for a patient as she transitioned to hospice care and Meghan handled the situation wonderfully. Her warm care helped give the patient a dignified and painless death. She frequently assessed the patient for any signs of pain and adjusted her medication accordingly. She was also a great support to the patient's family during this difficult time. Meghan listened to the family's concerns, mostly regarding pain management, and worked to find the best solution. Her empathetic communication provided comfort to the family during this difficult time. The patient's son expressed his gratitude to me by stating, "Meghan provided my mother and my family with wonderful care."
What the patient's family did not know was that Meghan was very uneasy about this situation and extremely anxious. She expressed her feelings to me away from the patient care area. Meghan did what great nurses do, she rose above her own emotions and focused on what her patient needed. When Meghan entered the room the patient's and her family's needs were Meghan's top priority. She knew that her anxiety was nothing compared to what the patient and her family were going through.
The care Meghan provided her patient on this day is just one example of the great things she does at MMC. On this day Meghan embodied what it is to truly be a nurse, she shined as an example for all people, and most importantly she made a positive impact on the lives of her patient and that family.