The ED was booming with PUI COVID-19 patients ranging anywhere from 6-7 isolations at one time. One of those PUIs was in a room with a door equipped with PPEs to help keep both the staff and patient protected. The patient in one room was 88 years old and was in for hypotension and shortness of breath with a GCS of about 8. He needed to be intubated and a central line placed, but his transfer paperwork was clear "do not resuscitate and do not initiate assisted ventilation". Thankfully, we were able to get hold of his POA to confirm his wishes because his transfer documentation did not have any legal binding although it was very clear what he wanted.
Next, POLST signed and comfort measures ordered. Six hours later, agonal breathing began, heart rate dropped to 34 beats per minute, oxygen saturation was not reading, and blood pressure was as low as 23/10. The inevitable was happening and that was okay, but what wasn't okay was that this patient was completely alone. This was where Adrian came in.
Without hesitation, Adrian gowned up and entered this man's room to hold his hand. A simple and sweet gesture of presence. It was a beautiful scene to witness. Adrian is a new nurse with 1 year under his belt and the ER staff refers to him as our Gentle Giant. As he stood there holding his hand and talking to him, the staff watched him and you could feel the pride we all felt that he was one of us.
With religion being a topic we don't often discuss, I asked if I could join him in a prayer for this man. We held hands and Adrian led the prayer asking for comfort and peace for the patient and his family. Five minutes later, the family was at the bedside and the patient passed away. Adrian later texted me that this was the first patient he has ever had where he witnessed his last breath. He was thankful for the experience and stated that it was very peaceful.
Lastly, I would like to mention that this patient was not his assigned patient, but he went in there anyway. Adrian is a true DAISY Nurse.