It is a sad yet, a common occurrence for the ICUs to receive patients with little to no family, and if there is family, they are not willing to make life-altering decisions. Recently, MICU received a very sick patient from a local SNF. The patient had an extensive history including a chronic cancer diagnosis. The patient was unstable and requiring multiple forms of life support measures. It was discovered through documentation from his previous hospital stays that he had a sister living in New York and a cousin who was local. The cousin was the primary caretaker of the patient prior to his admission to the SNF.
Unfortunately, the patient was rapidly declining regardless of our interventions. At this time, it was agreed that we needed to contact the next of kin to make medical decisions for him, as he was unable to. Many attempts were made to contact the patient's sister in New York, to no avail. Multiple voicemails were left and no response. Our next option was to attempt to contact the cousin. After several attempts, she finally answered the phone. After hearing about the critical status of her cousin she quickly arrived at the hospital.
The charge nurse, bedside nurse, and ANM all spoke with her regarding the declining status of her cousin. Even through a language barrier, she appeared to understand, but then grew concerned about the financial burden that she may face related to making decisions for her cousin. At this time, Glynda stepped in and began speaking. Glynda was able to bond with her and build a trusting relationship in such a short amount of time. After an extended conversation with Glynda, she agreed to make the medical decisions, as the next of kin and made him a DNR.
A couple of days later, after days of working tirelessly to stabilize the patient, he continued to decline. Again, the bedside nurse and charge nurse reached out to the cousin and explained the dire situation. After speaking with the nurses, she wasn't comfortable making the decision for hospice or comfort care for the patient. I reached out to Glynda, and she willingly contacted the cousin again. She agreed to come to the hospital to see her cousin and speak face-to-face with Glynda.
Glynda stayed several hours after her assigned shift to speak with her and stayed with her while she made the difficult decision to withdraw care from her beloved cousin. This isn't where Glynda's care and compassion stopped. Glynda also met the cousin at the Crematorium the day following the patient's passing to assist in filling out the required paperwork. This is truly going above and beyond, not only as a nurse but as a caring and compassionate human being. Glynda's efforts were crucial in the care of this patient and ceasing his suffering.

Note: This is Glynda's 3rd DAISY Award!