P, a patient on 7sw, had unexpectedly been admitted over the weekend with a serious diagnosis. P's wife had recently passed away and the funeral was planned for Monday. P's wife had also been a patient on 7sw, and the team had gotten to know the family. Jen Zinkle, the charge nurse, reached out to her manager on Sunday and explained the situation to see what we could do. In coordination with the AD and AC member on call, Jennifer, and Physicians, it was determined that P would not be healthy enough to leave the hospital or be discharged to attend.
With that in mind, Jen started thinking outside of the box about how to get P there. Jen started to coordinate with P and his family the possibility of bringing the visitation to the hospital, so P could say his final goodbyes in person. Everyone agreed. Jennifer facilitated with the funeral home and family to bring his wife's visitation to one of the conference rooms of the hospital. Jennifer also coordinated with IT the morning of the funeral, a Skype session to ensure P could watch the funeral. Once the funeral ended, P was assisted in getting dressed and up in a wheelchair to attend the visitation.
The conference room was reserved, and catering and EVS assisted in making the room feel warm and welcoming with flowers and refreshments. The windows were covered in paper stained glass and light music was playing in the background. P was brought down to the room with Jennifer to see his wife and family for a small visitation.
A few days after the visitation, a phone call was received from the patient's son to tell me what great care his Dad received at the hospital but especially the outstanding care by Jennifer. He said that her work meant so much to their family. Incredible job, Jen! It's nurses like you that make this hospital a better place.