On this particular day, Renee was the unit Charge Nurse. Not only did she have the responsibilities of Charge she also had a patient assignment. At the start of the day, it didn't appear anything out of the ordinary would occur. However, as well all know in Healthcare things can change in an instant. It was during handoff that Renee learned one of her patients just received a phone call that her Mother was actively passing away. The patient literally just heard her mother take her last breaths on the phone.
As a primary orthopedic unit, we are used to patients admitted to receive Ortho surgery and discharge pretty quickly. This patient however was a 33-year-old female with colon cancer and BRCA 1. She was admitted to our unit for post-op care after undergoing bilateral breast reconstruction with abdominal flaps and removal of gynecological organs. This is an extremely traumatic diagnosis and extensive surgery, especially at such a young age. This patient was not only trying to cope with her current medical status, significant post-operative pain but now had to come to terms that her Mom was no longer alive.
Naturally, the patient wanted to leave to mourn with her family. Renee focused all of her attention and energy on ensuring this patient was set up successfully from a medical perspective in order to discharge. Preparing a patient discharge and aligning all necessary education, care coordination activities under the best of circumstances is challenging. Renee however, coordinated the patient's discharge needs with the LIP, Case Management, obtained a Urology consult, and provided thorough wound and drain management care education. Renee was able to accomplish all of this within roughly an hour while having to insert a Foley, obtain all of the appropriate supplies while being emotionally present for her patient.
Following our CAUTI insertion standard work practices, I was the secondary RN during the Foley insertion. I witnessed firsthand the amazing interaction between Renee and this patient. The patient was sobbing and overwhelmingly distraught, it was truly heartbreaking to watch. Renee was able to gracefully navigate between getting the patient ready for discharge and support her emotionally. Facing the time restriction placed on the situation Renee was able to still provide the patient with her full attention, listened to the patient speak about her Mom, and literally provided her a shoulder to cry on.
The patient did not have any visitors at the bedside and was experiencing this loss without family support. Renee stepped in and assumed this role. Renee is an extremely caring and compassionate person at baseline. She frequently thinks about others and goes out of her way to ensure her patients and team are happy.
Renee is also overwhelmingly busy in her personal life. Working full time and going to NP school she gives her 100% consistently. Being so invested in her patients I knew that this is a difficult situation for anyone to manage but witnessing the interaction between the patient and Renee it was very apparent she was the best person to assist this patient in her time of need. When the patient was literally being wheeled out of her room she hugged Renee and asked if Renee would please attend her mother's funeral. While Renee did not attend it is a testament that the interaction Renee had with this patient created a strong bond and will leave a positive everlasting impression on of the worst days this patient has encountered.
This situation exemplifies having performed an extraordinary act of kindness and compassion. Renee is absolutely a DAISY Nurse for the way she handled this situation, ensuring the patient was safe after discharge but most importantly supported her and wholeheartedly cared for her during this experience.