May 2022
Stacey
Waters
,
LPN
Extended Hours Teams
Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio
Newark
,
OH
United States
Her compassion and excellent communication with families allow her to assuage their fears, anger, and anxieties.
Stacey is an extraordinary nurse who gets sent out to very difficult situations. Frequently she encounters families in the various stages of grief. Her compassion and excellent communication with families allow her to assuage their fears, anger, and anxieties. Recently she provided care to an actively dying patient. She had seen this patient several times over the course of the week due to progressive decline. She had gotten to know the family and recognize most of their concerns, including those of the somewhat outspoken son. First, the son asked a difficult question and was immediately regretful that he asked it. However, Stacey provided reassurance that he would have regretted not asking the question. Additionally, other family members chimed in too, stating that they too wondered about this question but were too afraid to ask. Second, this son confessed to Stacey that he had swabbed his father’s mouth with a swab dipped in beer so that he and his brothers could have one last beer together with their dad. He felt remorse and wondered if this action may have caused him harm. Yet again, Stacey reassured him that this action brought closure to him and his brothers and in no way harmed their dying father. These are just two very small examples from one patient encounter that I have regarding Stacey and her outstanding care. To me, she is even more impressive because as an extended hours nurse she has minimal time to build rapport with her patients, unlike case managers who see their patients regularly. Stacey is phenomenal at reading a situation and applying the necessary education and skills to best serve the patient and their families. Stacey has a magic way about her, and I wish that my words were able to more accurately convey the excellent level of care that she provides. I am hopeful that she will receive the recognition she so greatly deserves.