I want to recognize Billy as he went above and beyond for this patient in his biggest time of need. Here is the story in Billy's words:
Today was a success with no complications. The patient was able to see his father one last time and say goodbye. I was with the patient on Monday, the day he found out that his father passed away. The patient's father had cancer and it wasn't unexpected that he would pass, just the timing was faster than they had anticipated. He was very mournful (as anyone would be) and had asked me for a personal favor to make sure that he made it to the funeral. I explained to him that I would do everything in our power to make sure he was able to see his father, if medically and legally able to so.
I talked to the Clinical Manager on Monday about the idea of getting the patient to the funeral as well as the attending doctor and Case Manager. On Thursday I talked to the doctor again about the possibility of the patient going to the funeral the next day. The doctor gave consent only if the patient was stable. I talked to the gastroenterologist who stated that if the patient did not have a fever then it would be ok for the patient to go. I spoke to the Case Manager who states that the patient would need to go on a Leave of Absence to be able to be administered medicine and not be considered AMA. The Case Manager also talked to inpatient rehab about going to the funeral. I again talked to the Clinical Manager who then spoke to Risk Management who advised and sent policy via email communication. The CNO was called for final approval. The doctor gave the order that the patient could leave the floor for the funeral.
On the day of the funeral the Leave of Absence release form was signed with all risks discussed with the patient. The patient attended his father's funeral.