Michelle worked many hours in tandem with the palliative care social worker to provide much-needed support to a couple who were struggling to accept the patient's disease progression. After a great deal of counseling and education, the patient and his wife agreed to accept hospice care when he was in the hospital and transitional. Michelle was able to help guide them to this understanding by spending much of her weekend on her own time with them at the hospital. She stayed late to help educate and support the staff on administering necessary medications, but primarily to work with the patient's wife as well.
Michelle recognized that anger is a stage of anticipatory grief and knew it was very hard for the wife to accept the impending loss of her husband. Michelle committed to being there for the wife to provide one-on-one support to help her through this difficult time. In addition, she educated her on what to look for and what to expect. The patient died a little more than 24 hours after they accepted hospice and it is Michelle's patience and skill that got the patient and his wife both the care that they needed.
The patient's wife later wrote an article about her appreciation for this and the care received at SBL. Michelle's care and willingness to come in on her weekend off to do the right thing for them made all the difference in how this couple experienced the patient's last days, and how the wife will process the loss going forward. I can't tell you how proud I am to have her on my palliative care team!

This is Michelle's 2nd DAISY Award!