I nominate SFMC 5 South RN Reba Rembold for a DAISY Award for her excellent work everyday but especially today with a very delicate and difficult patient/family situation.

We have had a very sick patient on the unit for almost a month. The patient has a very poor prognosis and imminently high mortality rate yet the family wanted to continue aggressive and invasive procedures in the hopes of a cure. Several staff including physicians, and case managers had spoken with the family re: the dire prognosis yet the family still wanted everything done. This has been difficult for the staff and patient as the staff have assessed that the patient is in pain and very agitated due to the invasive procedures and lines. Today Reba approached the family with gentleness and candor and after a lengthy discussion with Reba and the hospitalist - the family made the courageous and loving decision to transfer the patient to hospice. Because Reba was willing to approach the family again, we believe a decision was made that honors and is in the best interest of the patient.

Reba went above and beyond in taking the initiative to talk with the family. These can be very difficult conversations that some of us shy away from and wait for someone else to have, especially when the family has not been receptive before. Reba is gifted at having courageous conversations with her peers, patients and families so I'm not too surprised yet I was moved to tears when she told me the outcome. It was just one of those sacred moments when you just knew that what was supposed to happen was now going to happen-that feeling of letting go--of healing, of peace, of grace....for the patient and family. Great job Reba!