Jennifer Wheeler
February 2013
Jennifer
Wheeler
,
RN
MICU
WellStar Regional Medical Center
Marietta
,
GA
United States
Courtney Johnson RN and Jennifer Wheeler RN created a memorable experience for their patients and their family members. The Ms (Mr. M 87 y/o in BE 717 diagnosed with Respiratory Failure and his wife Mrs. M 81 y/o in BE 719 diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothroax) Mr. M was transferred from MICU during the week to be closer to his wife until his discharge home, which resulted in having both husband and wife on the same unit (7BE).
On Friday, Mr. M's condition took a turn for the worst. The plan for him was to send him home with hospice per patient and his family. While palliative care was rounding on Mr. M, the staff was moving Mrs. M back and forth from her room to his room so they had time together. Finally Mr M told the palliative care rep that he would like the oxygen removed so nature can take is course.
The Palliative Care rep, Mrs M and the family members were in agreement with his decision as long as Mr. M was comfortable throughout the process. Know that Mr. M was oxygen dependent and that once removing the oxygen Mr M would not have long to live, Courtney RN and Jennifer RN suggested to the family and Mrs. M that Mr. M's bed be moved into Mrs. M's room so they can be together at the end of his live. Once the family agreed on moving their parents together. Courtney and Jennifer waited for other family members to arrive.
When all the family arrived, Courtney RN and Jennifer RN explained to the family members Mr. M's wishes to remove the oxygen and let nature take it course. Then they moved Mr. M into Mrs M's room. With their beds side by side they had the opportunity to hold hands and touch each other for a final time and the family members were all present to say their good-byes. Then Courtney RN, asked Mr. M for consent to remove his oxygen, at which time Mrs. M grabbed her husband's hand and held it as he passed away, peacefully and comfortably.
The family members and Mrs M expressed their deepest thanks and appreciation to both Courtney and Jennifer for their care and compassion. They said these nurses touch their lives in a way they will never forget.
The family and Mrs M also shared with the staff that prior to this hospitalization Mr. M was very active and was the caregiver for his wife.
On Friday, Mr. M's condition took a turn for the worst. The plan for him was to send him home with hospice per patient and his family. While palliative care was rounding on Mr. M, the staff was moving Mrs. M back and forth from her room to his room so they had time together. Finally Mr M told the palliative care rep that he would like the oxygen removed so nature can take is course.
The Palliative Care rep, Mrs M and the family members were in agreement with his decision as long as Mr. M was comfortable throughout the process. Know that Mr. M was oxygen dependent and that once removing the oxygen Mr M would not have long to live, Courtney RN and Jennifer RN suggested to the family and Mrs. M that Mr. M's bed be moved into Mrs. M's room so they can be together at the end of his live. Once the family agreed on moving their parents together. Courtney and Jennifer waited for other family members to arrive.
When all the family arrived, Courtney RN and Jennifer RN explained to the family members Mr. M's wishes to remove the oxygen and let nature take it course. Then they moved Mr. M into Mrs M's room. With their beds side by side they had the opportunity to hold hands and touch each other for a final time and the family members were all present to say their good-byes. Then Courtney RN, asked Mr. M for consent to remove his oxygen, at which time Mrs. M grabbed her husband's hand and held it as he passed away, peacefully and comfortably.
The family members and Mrs M expressed their deepest thanks and appreciation to both Courtney and Jennifer for their care and compassion. They said these nurses touch their lives in a way they will never forget.
The family and Mrs M also shared with the staff that prior to this hospitalization Mr. M was very active and was the caregiver for his wife.