One evening, I was exiting the building for the day and was walking through the courtyard. I noticed Meredith, RN sitting with one of our patients. Stopping to speak with them, I learned that the patient had been at WakeMed for several days, is 30 years old, and struggling to recover from complications of diverticulitis surgery. Glancing at the wound vac, TPN, numerous drips and IV fluids, it was clear that the patient has had a rough couple of weeks. Thankfully on this particular day, the weather was pleasantly warm. She sat in her wheelchair drinking a coffee with Meredith at her side, also enjoying a coffee.
In speaking with Meredith and the patient, I learned that today was the first time in 3 weeks that she had been outside of the building. The patient recognized Meredith as her "angel" and because of this time outside, feeling like a person again, she can now "believe there might be light at the end of the tunnel". Imagine having the life of a 30-year-old, with obligations and responsibilities and needing a 3+ week hospital stay with challenges so difficult that you question your future!
As I walked away from them, I had so many thoughts and feelings. Proud of Meredith for being a WakeMed nurse, sitting with the patient as a friend would. I was proud of the patient for pushing through the obstacles she had endured. I was grateful to have a courtyard that we can use for patients, families, and staff to enjoy. I was grateful for the beautiful evening God gave us. I walked away also thinking about the "simplicity" of Meredith's meaningful action. But wait, it was not a "simple" action. It was a scheduled, intentional decision for the patient's plan of care. Meredith recognized the emotional and psychological needs of this patient. With 90 minutes left in her shift, a very hectic time in the life of a clinical nurse, Meredith found the time to take a patient outside to enjoy coffee and discussion. As nurses, we all know what this means. Meds for the other patients need to be coordinated, end of shift duties need to be completed early, all work done in the last 90 minutes of the shift will need to be completed before this activity or Meredith might need to remain on duty longer. Three other patients needed coverage from other nurses which means that Meredith needed to conduct at least one handoff before leaving the unit and before conducting the night shift handoff 90 minutes later. Additionally, we all know that we (needlessly) worry about the care and needs of the patients we leave behind when we are tied up for an extended period of time. Despite all of these caveats, Meredith was found sitting outside sipping a coffee and connecting with a patient who needed her for emotional support. Meredith exemplifies the art and science of WakeMed nursing and is a true DAISY Nurse.