I received a call and an email in reference to a patient whose husband had passed away in our hospital and the widowed patient was herself admitted shortly after. The unit charge nurse, Amy Moore, asked if there was any way we could arrange some kind of private viewing for this patient to be able to see her deceased husband one last time. The patient was not well enough to be discharged in time to attend his funeral service. As the nursing supervisor on duty, I immediately called our Nursing Executive, Phyllis Stoneburner, and asked if we could somehow facilitate this event, to which she immediately said yes! Through some networking and creative problem solving, we were able to coordinate with all the necessary parties to put a plan in place. The funeral home was more than happy to assist. In short order, the room was made ready and the funeral home brought the patient's husband back to the SOH classroom for a personal and private viewing that included the patient, her two adult children and their spouses, and a long-time friend.
The funeral home paid attention to every detail of the family's requests in preparing him for his final farewell. The patient explained to those present the significance of each of these requests. He was dressed in a suit that she had bought for him herself some time ago. His red tie was the same one worn as he attended their son's wedding. Even the casket stained with a rich pecan finish was representative of the many pecan trees that lined their yard and was a favorite of her husband. The patient spent some time telling stories about her life with her husband of 53 years.
The service was attended by some of the staff that arranged the viewing and our hospital Chaplain was able to provide spiritual support to the family. The patient and her family were touched and grateful for the genuine concern and caring of the Sentara Obici Hospital family, most especially Amy Moore. The hospital will forever be known by this family and all who know them as a place of healing and compassion; where physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are recognized and addressed as amazing nurses such as Amy provide care for patients and their families.