Sandy Dinicola, RN

Sandy took care of an 81-year-old survivor of breast cancer who was still taking oral chemotherapy, frail, had a touch of dementia, and was very anxious. The staff managed her COVID disease. Unfortunately, her condition declined, and the realization was that she was not going to make it home. After meeting with the doctors, the family decided to transition the patient to a DNR status. The family did not understand that this included comfort care. The family made the decision that they did not want to be with the patient as she was dying. Sandy was with the patient as she was reaching the end of life. As the patient entered the final stages of death, Sandy entered the patient’s room to hold her hand and offer comfort. She let the patient know that she was not alone, she had someone with her. It’s an example of extraordinary compassion from an extraordinary nurse.