It is hard to put into words how Stephanie made a difference for this patient. I will try. This patient was an elderly veteran who lived alone with no family to speak of. This patient's only companion was his dog. As the patient became more and more ill, he had to rehome his dog. Now he had literally no one. Despite the provider's best efforts to make this patient face the reality that he was terminal, this patient refused to stop treatment. He came to the cancer center two times a week for life-saving blood transfusions. Soon, the transfusions were no longer working at all. The patient was too sick to answer the door for meals on wheels, he was having falls where he lay alone for hours. He firmly believed that he was not ready to pass away and would not give up.

Until, one brave, kind, and extraordinary nurse (Stephanie) took the time to sit with him and explain about hospice care. He finally began to listen to her and ask questions about what it would be like for him. She patiently answered his questions. He finally decided that he would meet with hospice. Stephanie made the phone call herself and explained to them how although this patient could be a challenge, he deserved to die with dignity and with comfort care. That we all cared for him and we were his family. This patient finally accepted hospice care in a few days and died 3 days later. He was warm in his bed, with all of the comfort care, and at peace. Stephanie made a difference in this patient’s last days. I truly believe that without her taking the time to explain and help guide and prepare him, his life would have ended in a painful, lonely, and scary way.