May 2019
Francisca
Burgos
,
RN
Med-Surg Plymouth
Saint Joseph Health System
Mishawaka
,
IN
United States
Francisca cared for a young cancer patient on med-surg who did not speak English. Fran did a great job of interacting and being an advocate while she was a patient. The patient had received cancer treatment last fall but then never followed up due to transportation and a language barrier. During her hospital stay, comfort measures were discussed and the patient indicated that yes she wanted to be made comfortable. In the end, it was decided the patient needed to see the oncologist first. Fran did a great job making sure that the patient fully understood the importance of attending the oncology appointment 2 days after discharge. On the day of the patient's oncology appointment, Fran went to the cancer center to support this patient and her daughter. It turned out that our definition of comfort measures (i.e. end of life) was not the patient's understanding of comfort measures. The patient just wanted to be comfortable and not in pain. Fran was instrumental in comforting this patient and working with the language line to be able to ascertain this patient's true wishes. The patient wanted to receive treatment. The patient has 4 children and is only 40 years of age. After the appointment ended, Fran took additional time in the lobby speaking with the patient and her daughter. Turns out the daughter was around 3 months pregnant and had not sought any medical treatment due to the language barrier. Fran further coached this family. She went way above and beyond to support both the patient and her daughter.